Care and Convenience Features

While some care and convenience features may not seem critical, they can be transformative to the experience of some disabled visitors. Consider the brief examples below:

• Features like rest seating are essential: According to the “Towards a Culture of Access, Part 2” report by Open Door Arts, rest seating was the second most needed feature for people with disabilities when visiting cultural institutions.
• Additional features can make your institution more inclusive: Along with seating, other amenities such as water access, courtesy wheelchairs, and changing tables could significantly impact visitor experience. For example, a family with an older child or adult who needs support with toileting may choose not to visit your organization if an adult changing table or space is not available.

When you provide these features in your arts or culture institution, consider following some recommended best practices:

• Rest seating: Rest seating and rest areas are essential for providing opportunities to rest and recover, particularly in high-traffic areas or spaces that could be fatiguing. Ideally, a variety of comfortable and strategically placed seating options should be available, and their design should vary to offer the widest possible range of options for users (e.g., seating with and without backs, seating with and without armrests, individual seats, benches, etc.). A good accessibility guideline for seating is to aim for at least 50% to have backs and armrests.
• Water access: Water fountains must meet accessibility requirements. In larger venues, consider where water stations with accessible cups or dispensers could be placed, such as high-traffic areas, to make hydration easy for everyone. Also consider creating clear policies for allowing water bottles in exhibit or performance spaces.
• Courtesy wheelchairs or rollators: Organizations with large facilities or campuses could choose to offer courtesy wheelchairs or rollators (walkers with wheels) to visitors. These should be made available at key entry points, such as entrances and large exhibit areas, with clear signage and information for picking up and returning the devices. For more considerations on how to create policies to assist visitors borrowing mobility devices, see the Mobility Devices section of The Hub.
• Courtesy drop-off/pick-up: Organizations whose accessible parking is a long distance away from their accessible entrance can provide courtesy drop-off/pick-up areas for visitors with disabilities, or who need assistance to minimize fatigue, exposure to the elements, and comfort. Ensure that these drop-off areas are designated as such, that they have direct access to accessible entrances, and that you provide curb ramps from the street. Please note: it is a requirement that accessible routes of travel exist between accessible parking and accessible entrances.
• Changing tables: Changing tables provide convenience for families when visiting cultural organizations. When installing them, consider multiple genders of caregivers as well as the needs of disabled caregivers. If possible, mount at least one table in your institution at wheelchair-accessible height in a single-stall or gender neutral restroom. In addition, providing adult-sized changing tables accommodates the needs of older children and adults who may otherwise be excluded or forced to use unsuitable facilities. It is important to place these changing tables in easily accessible, private areas near restrooms and ensure they are well-maintained and clearly marked. Institutions should ensure that the area near the changing table is sufficient for a caregiver as they assist.
• Nursing rooms/spaces: If your organization provides a nursing room or space, ensure that it’s designed to meet the needs of visitors with disabilities. This includes wheelchair accessibility, accessible seating, power outlets, and changing tables, as well as privacy features to ensure comfort and safety.
• Single-user and family restrooms: Gender-neutral, single use, or family restrooms can be critically important for parents or caregivers with children, or for individuals who need assistance in the restroom, especially when the person providing assistance is of a different gender identity. While organizations are not required to provide these types of restrooms, if you do provide or are considering providing them, ensure they meet accessibility requirements in section 603 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
• Flexible respite spaces: Flexible respite spaces can serve as a safe and quiet environment for visitors who may need to take a break from overstimulation, crowds, or sensory elements. These may include low-sensory/quiet rooms, which feature softer lighting, reduced noise, and comfortable seating. Organizations can also consider providing spaces for visitors who may need to self-regulate without the pressure of disrupting others within a quiet room setting. Ensure that these spaces are also physically accessible.
• Access to power outlets: Access to power outlets in cultural institutions benefits people with disabilities by allowing them to charge essential devices, such as mobility aids, hearing aids, communication devices (including phones), and medical equipment, all of which ensures that they can fully participate in activities. Power outlets also support caregivers who may need to use devices like breast pumps or other assistive tools. Having power outlets in accessible locations promotes independence and dignity for visitors with diverse needs.

Finally, keep these important considerations in mind while implementing care and convenience features into your organization:

• Consider diverse needs: Designing care and convenience features with cultural and intersectional factors in mind ensures that the needs of all visitors are met. This means thinking about how different populations (such as caregivers, people with children, or individuals with disabilities) will engage with the space. Considering these diverse needs will help you make your services accessible and welcoming to everyone.
• Consider sensory needs: Respite spaces and nursing areas should consider sensory sensitivities by minimizing harsh lighting, noise, and other environmental factors that might contribute to discomfort or overstimulation.
• Provide clear signage: Make sure all care features, including rest areas, drinking fountains, and nursing stations, are clearly marked with visible, easy-to-read signage. Rooms permanently designated as such should follow guidelines for accessible signage.
• Ensure regular training and maintenance: Regularly assess and update amenities such as courtesy wheelchairs, changing tables, nursing rooms, and rest areas to ensure they are well-maintained, accessible, and comfortable. Equally important is to ensure staff understand available features and resources, as well as any related policies.
• Think creatively about how to utilize space: Dedicating specific spaces within organizations can be challenging. When space is limited, consider spaces that could be used more flexibly for specific needs. For example, an organization that has a first aid room could designate it as a nursing room, changing space for older children or adults, or as a respite space upon request, provided that the characteristics of that first aid room are appropriate for those purposes (accessible, private, etc.). If you choose to do this, ensure your staff is aware and can assist visitors as needed, and that you communicate this information on your website.
• Promote your offerings: If you offer care and convenience features, be sure to let people know! It is important that visitors can find this information on your website, social media channels, in Know Before you Go and Pre-Visit FAQs, and through direct communication. You can visit the Communicating Access Information page of The Hub to learn more.