It is essential that all of Kenyon's programs, activities, and events are designed to provide universal accessibility. Make your event fully accessible to prepare for any situation. The Student Accessibility and Support Services (SASS) office has devised this checklist to help you determine if your program is accessible. We encourage people planning events off campus to use this checklist to ensure their program is accessible. Complete the checklist below, and contact the SASS office with questions or concerns.
Accessible Entrance
Is there an entrance that does not require the use of stairs?
- If no, add a ramp or lift if possible
- If no, add an alternate route on ground level, if possible
- Contact the SASS office to discuss accessibility of campus buildings, or other available options
Are there appropriate signs directing attendees to accessible entrances and bathroom facilities?
- If no, create and post directional signs through an accessible route
- Contact the SASS office to discuss other options, or the possibility of relocating your program or event
Is the path at least 36 inches wide?
- If no, enlarge the pathway if possible
- Relocate the program, or contact the SASS office to discuss other ideas
Are curb cuts located in parking lot and drop-off areas?
- If no, contact the SASS office to discuss possible options for installing a curb cut
- Relocate your program to area with greater accessibility
Are there accessible parking spaces available near the accessible entrance?
- Contact the SASS office to discuss potential difficulties with parking, or to discuss possibilities for relocating your program
Usability of Restrooms
Is there at least 1 fully accessible male and female restroom or 1 accessible gender neutral restroom?
- If no, reconfigure restroom or combine restrooms to create one gender neutral restroom, if possible
- Relocate the program, or contact the SASS office to discuss available options
Meeting Rooms
If the location of your event or program has multiple floors, is there an accessible elevator to the meeting room?
- If no, relocate program or contact the SASS office to discuss other potential options
Is an accessible path of travel available to the meeting room?
- If no, relocate the program, or contact the SASS to discuss other potential options
Is the meeting room accessible for speakers and presenters? Can participants navigate easily in the space?
- If no (and the space is not tiered) and the furniture is movable, reconfigure the space to allow for more room
- Contact the SASS office to discuss other possible options for accessibility for speakers and attendees
- Accessibility Checklist for Existing Facilities
Publicity and Invitations for your Event
Does your publicity/invitation contain information regarding reasonable accommodations?
- If no, be sure to include a statement about how a person can obtain accommodations for the program, such as, "If you need an accommodation to fully participate in this event, please contact..." Then, be sure to include your name and contact information so that a person with a disability can get in touch with you about accommodations
Accommodation Requests from Participants
Has a participant, either audience member or speaker, requested an accessible meeting space?
- Make sure the location is completely accessible for the participant by using this checklist
Has a staff member been assigned to ensure that accommodation arrangements are handled appropriately?
- Designate one staff member to handle all accommodation requests. This person can be the liaison to the SASS office to discuss possible options for accommodations
Has a participant requested an assisted listening system?
- Contact the SASS office to determine where to obtain an assisted listening device
Has a participant requested a sign language interpreter?
- Contact the SASS office for assistance with scheduling an interpreter for your program
- Provide CART (provides real time text of the event speakers and participants)
Has a participant requested handout materials in an alternate format? Offer all handouts, slides, and other materials ahead of time in an accessible format. People who live with blindness or low or moderate vision may rely on a screen reader to access material that is being presented.
- Contact Emily Wise in the SASS office (wisee@kenyon.edu) to learn about putting a handout in Braille or another digital accessible format as needed
If a video clip is part of the program, are the videos equipped with captions for participants with hearing impairments?
- When purchasing or renting AV materials, request one with closed capability
- If a captioned video is not available, contact Erin Salva, Director of SASS (salvae@kenyon.edu, 740-427-5453) to discuss having your video captioned
Arrange for good internet connection so devices, CART and Assistive Technology will operate well throughout the event
Web Accessibility Initiative: How to Make Your Events Accessible