Planning Accessible Events

Event planners should include in their materials the following event accessibility statement:

“Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact [insert event sponsor’s name, phone, and email address].  It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event.  Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.”

Choose parking for your event, where applicable, in a structure with an elevator. You may wish to describe the location of accessible parking in your publicity materials.

USC Transpiration includes a list of ADA Spaces for University Park Campus (UPC) and Health Sciences Campus (HSC) under their Handicapped Access page.

Event Building

Choose accessible buildings and rooms for your event.  Generally, newer buildings are more likely to offer better accessible features, such as accessible restrooms and easier entrances.  Avoid holding events in buildings where a guest with a disability would have to enter from the back of the building or use a lift. USC offers the following maps, which show the locations of accessible features:

• USC Accessibility Map
• University Park Campus
• Health and Sciences Campus

Event Room

Check room layouts to make sure that appropriate seating, aisles, and turning radiuses are offered during the event. The publication, Making Temporary Events Accessible to People with Disabilities contains detailed information about measurements.

If sound amplification will be used at your event, work with the event professionals in the space to verify that Assistive Listening Devices are in the proper location and are in good working order.

If guests will self-serve food, drinks, or snacks, make sure that the food is served from tables or counters at an accessible height. The use of bar-height serving locations should be avoided.

For information about providing sign language interpreters or real-time captioning for events, see the Guide for Securing Sign Language Interpreters or CART at Events and Referrals for Sign Language Interpreters and Captionists (CART)