Accessible seating refers to seats that are designed to accommodate people with disabilities or mobility impairments. This type of seating is an important provision to ensure that public venues and events are inclusive and compliant with disability legislation.
What are the requirements for accessible seating?
There are certain requirements that venues need to meet in order to provide proper accessible seating areas:
- Size – Accessible seating locations need to have sufficient floor space to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. The typical size is a minimum of 66 inches long by 60 inches wide.
- Number – Venues need to have a minimum number of designated accessible seats based on the total seating capacity. For example, venues with over 500 seats need to have at least 6 wheelchair spaces.
- Location – The accessible seating must be located where there are clear sight lines to the stage or field of play. They should be dispersed throughout the seating plan and not just limited to one section.
- Companion seats – For each wheelchair space, there needs to be an adjacent companion seat for friends or assistants accompanying the person in the wheelchair.
- Accessible route – There must be an accessible path connecting the seating locations to the main entrance and amenity facilities like washrooms, concessions, etc.
These requirements ensure that wheelchair users and others with disabilities can comfortably access and enjoy events alongside other patrons.
Who needs accessible seating?
Accessible seating accommodates a wide range of disabilities and mobility limitations including:
- Wheelchair users – People who depend on a wheelchair for mobility and cannot use standard theatre seats.
- Limited mobility – Individuals who have trouble climbing stairs or walking long distances.
- Reduced stamina – Fatigue or medical conditions that limit ability to sit for prolonged periods.
- Assistance required – Persons who need attendant care and require the companion seat next to them.
- Vision loss – May benefit from proximity seating to properly see the stage or interpreters.
- Hearing loss – Need line-of-sight to see sign language interpreters or captioning.
Having accessible seats available ensures that people with these types of disabilities can still participate and enjoy the event on an equal basis with others.
Types of accessible seating
There are a few different common types of accessible seating configurations:
Wheelchair spaces
These are ground level spaces that have removable chairs to accommodate a wheelchair. They are typically at least 66 inches long by 60 inches wide to provide sufficient room for wheelchairs and allow for maneuverability. Wheelchair spaces will also have an adjacent companion seat.
Transfer seats
For users who prefer to transfer out of their wheelchair into a regular seat, venues may provide a transfer seat. These allow more flexibility for those who do not necessarily need to remain in their wheelchair but still require close proximity to accessible amenities.
Aisle seats
Aisle seats located at the ends of rows provide easier access for people who have difficulty stepping over others to reach their seat. These seats are often identified as accessible for people with limited mobility.
Sightline seats
For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, venues may designate seats with direct sightlines to sign language interpreters or captioning screens. Minimizing visual obstructions optimizes their ability to properly see the accessibility accommodations.
Accessible seating policies
To ensure equitable access to accessible seating, venues should have clear policies in place:
- Verification – Require proof of disability such as an access card, permit, or other medical documentation. This reserves the spaces for those who genuinely need them.
- One spot per customer – Limit the purchase to one accessible seating spot per person to prevent misuse.
- Return if unused – Patrons should return accessible seats if they go unused to be reallocated.
- No fees – Venues cannot charge extra fees for accessible seats beyond the regular price.
- Priority access – Wheelchair users and severely disabled patrons get priority when allocating accessible seats.
By communicating these policies upfront, venues avoid confusion and ensure proper utilization of accessible seating areas.
Benefits of accessible seating
Making events welcoming and inclusive through accessible seating accommodation has many advantages:
- Equal access – Enables those with disabilities to enjoy the venue and event on an equal basis as others.
- Increased revenue – Opens up events to a broader customer base instead of excluding those with disabilities.
- Good publicity – Demonstrates social responsibility and garners positive public perception.
- Legal compliance – Adheres to disability legislation related to accommodation and non-discrimination.
- Customer loyalty – Patrons with disabilities are more likely to return to venues that cater to their needs.
Ultimately, accessible seating contributes to a more diverse, ethical, and profitable event environment.
Conclusion
Accessible seating is a key strategy for making events inclusive for people with disabilities. By providing well-designed and appropriately located spaces for wheelchair users and others with mobility challenges, venues remove barriers to participation. Adhering to accessibility guidelines and policies ensures accessible seating is readily available for target users. As well as being legally mandated, accessible seating enables venues to gain a loyal customer base and reinforce their reputation as socially responsible.
Accessible seating requires forethought and intentional planning. But the benefits for both patrons with disabilities and the venue make it a critical investment. When accessible seating is done right, it exemplifies the type of thoughtful accommodation that should be standard across public events and spaces.
Making events welcoming and inclusive through accessible seating accommodation has many advantages:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Equal access | Enables those with disabilities to enjoy the venue and event on an equal basis as others. |
| Increased revenue | Opens up events to a broader customer base instead of excluding those with disabilities. |
| Good publicity | Demonstrates social responsibility and garners positive public perception. |
| Legal compliance | Adheres to disability legislation related to accommodation and non-discrimination. |
| Customer loyalty | Patrons with disabilities are more likely to return to venues that cater to their needs. |
There are certain requirements that venues need to meet in order to provide proper accessible seating areas:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Accessible seating locations need to have sufficient floor space to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. The typical size is a minimum of 66 inches long by 60 inches wide. |
| Number | Venues need to have a minimum number of designated accessible seats based on the total seating capacity. For example, venues with over 500 seats need to have at least 6 wheelchair spaces. |
| Location | The accessible seating must be located where there are clear sight lines to the stage or field of play. They should be dispersed throughout the seating plan and not just limited to one section. |
| Companion seats | For each wheelchair space, there needs to be an adjacent companion seat for friends or assistants accompanying the person in the wheelchair. |
| Accessible route | There must be an accessible path connecting the seating locations to the main entrance and amenity facilities like washrooms, concessions, etc. |
Accessible seating accommodates a wide range of disabilities and mobility limitations including:
| Disability/Limitation | Seating Needs |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair users | Cannot use standard theatre seats, require wheelchair spaces |
| Limited mobility | Have trouble climbing stairs or walking long distances, benefit from proximity seating near entrances |
| Reduced stamina | Fatigue or medical conditions that limit ability to sit for prolonged periods, may need aisle seats for rest breaks |
| Assistance required | Need attendant care, require companion seat next to wheelchair space |
| Vision loss | May benefit from proximity seating to properly see the stage or interpreters |
| Hearing loss | Need line-of-sight to see sign language interpreters or captioning |
Here are some examples of accessible seating policies venues should have in place:
| Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| Verification | Require proof of disability such as an access card, permit, or other medical documentation. This reserves the spaces for those who genuinely need them. |
| One spot per customer | Limit the purchase to one accessible seating spot per person to prevent misuse. |
| Return if unused | Patrons should return accessible seats if they go unused to be reallocated. |
| No fees | Venues cannot charge extra fees for accessible seats beyond the regular price. |
| Priority access | Wheelchair users and severely disabled patrons get priority when allocating accessible seats. |
There are a few different common types of accessible seating configurations:
| Seating Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair spaces | Ground level spaces with removable chairs to accommodate wheelchairs. At least 66 inches by 60 inches. |
| Transfer seats | For wheelchair users who prefer to transfer into a regular seat. Allow flexibility without needing to stay in the wheelchair. |
| Aisle seats | Located at the ends of rows. Easier access for those with limited mobility. |
| Sightline seats | Seats with direct line of sight to sign language interpreters or captioning screens. |
At the end of the day, accessible seating is a must for all public venues to ensure that those with disabilities or mobility limitations can fully participate in social and cultural events. Accessible seating reflects our values as an inclusive society – for venues, it should be viewed as an opportunity to improve access and expand customer demographics. Getting consultation from disability advocates, making a plan, and properly implementing it are key steps to improving accessible seating in your community.
Accessible seating is about rethinking design and patron experience from a different access perspective. But when executed appropriately it benefits not only patrons with disabilities but the venue itself. Ultimately, it contributes to cultural events that represent the diversity and social participation of the entire community at large.
References
[1] U.S. Department of Justice. “ADA Standards for Accessible Design.” 2010.
[2] NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. “A Basic Guide to Accessible Seating.” 2019.
[3] Accessible Stadiums. “Accessible Seating 101.” 2020.
[4] Smithsonian Guidelines for Accessible Exhibition Design. “Designing for Accessibility.” 2000.
[5] Equality and Human Rights Commission. “Equality Act 2010 Guidance on Matters to be Taken into Account in Determining Questions Relating to the Definition of Disability.” 2011.
[6] Institute for Human Centered Design. “Pathways to Inclusion: Making Transportation Accessible for People of all Ages and Abilities.” 2016.
[7] United Spinal Association. “Disability Etiquette Publication.” 2018.
[8] People First of Canada. “Creating Accessible Events: A Guide.” 2017.
[9] Government of Ontario. “Integrated Accessibility Standards.” 2011.
[10] Rick Hansen Foundation. “Planning Accessible Meetings and Events Toolkit.” 2020.