Classrooms, Meeting Rooms, and Studio Spaces
General Overview
Within arts and cultural spaces, most people consider the accessibility features of the most public and commonly used spaces, such as museum galleries and public entryways. Yet it is also critical to consider the accessibility features of more specific spaces within your institution, such as classrooms, meeting rooms, and studios. Implementing accessibility within these specific spaces helps to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the full range of opportunities your organization offers. You can visit the Physical Features, Sensory Features, and Care and Convenience Features sections of The Hub to learn more about accessibility requirements and best practices across all spaces.
Key Terms
Implementation
In addition to the physical and sensory accessibility of classrooms, meeting rooms, and studios, there are some additional specific features, equipment, and elements to address to ensure that employees, participants, and patrons with disabilities can fully engage with any programming or activities that might occur in these spaces.
When setting up your classrooms and meeting rooms, keep the following access considerations in mind:
- Seating: Make sure there are multiple and flexible seating options available. For individuals using wheelchairs and other mobility devices, ensure that there is ample space and easy access to the room’s features — such as work tables, sinks, trash cans, electronics, art supplies, and storage. Establish integrated seating arrangements in the room so all participants can have optimal comfort and can have equal access to viewing all activities in the space.
- Tables and desks: Ensure that tables or desks have clear legroom and adjustable heights to accommodate size and mobility devices. These accessible spots should be integrated into the room’s layout to empower easy access by all users.
- Visible clocks/time keepers: Place clocks with large, clear digits in visible areas and ensure that the time is easily readable, with a font size of 36 points or larger, from various viewpoints in the space.
- Technology: Ensure that all technology utilized in the room is compatible with assistive devices, such as screen readers or hearing aids. Design your tech interfaces to be navigable by individuals using various assistive technologies. Ensure that your staff are trained to use all systems and technologies.
- Built-in microphones/ALDs (Assistive Listening Devices): Provide microphones connected to assistive listening systems, such as hearing loops or FM systems. Ensure that these devices are available and functional.
- Storage and supply space: Make storage accessible by placing shelves or cabinets at lower heights for easy reach. Ensure clear signage and space for safe access.
- Outlets: Ensure that outlets are easy to find and not obstructed by furniture.
- Lighting: Ensure that lights can be adjusted and controlled for different tasks or comfort levels and to accommodate various needs, including spotlighting of ASL interpreters.
- Screens for CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation): Use screens to display CART captions or other accessible content. Position these screens where they are easily visible to all participants.
- Whiteboard: Ensure that the lowest point of the whiteboard is no higher than 36 inches for accessibility by wheelchair users. Make sure the whiteboard is visible and usable by all participants.
- Podium: Use podiums with adjustable heights or lower sections to accommodate speakers ranging in height and/or who are seated. Make sure the podium can support assistive technology.
- Support for hybrid participation: Offer access to content and meetings virtually. Ensure that these hybrid events provide captioning and sign language interpreters if requested, and offer compatible tech for virtual participants. Consider making visual and other multimedia materials available in advance, for participants who need additional access to these items. Share visual description guidelines, as applicable, with presenters and facilitators. Make sure virtual platforms used are in compliance with web accessibility standards.
- Table microphones: Position table microphones at an accessible height for all users, including those in wheelchairs. Consider using wireless microphones for flexibility and ease of use.
When setting up your studio spaces (for both performing and visual arts), keep the following access considerations in mind:
Performing Arts
- Stage: Ensure that the stage has accessible ramps or lifts for performers and clear sightlines for all attendees.
- Backstage: Backstage areas should include accessible spaces for performers with mobility devices, including wide doorways and ramps. Ensure that there are accessible restrooms and changing areas backstage for staff and performers with disabilities. Ensure that mirrors, hooks, and benches are accessible and within reach for everyone.
- Dance floor: Design the dance floor with ample space for wheelchair users and other mobility devices. Ensure that flooring is smooth and free from obstacles to allow for safe and easy movement.
- Barre: Offer adjustable or lower bars in dance studios so individuals of all heights (and/or individuals seated in a wheelchair) can comfortably reach. Ensure that bars are sturdy and accessible from different positions, including for seated users.
Visual Arts
- Art making areas: Ensure that art-making spaces include clear pathways, adjustable tables, various seating options, and sufficient room for mobility devices. Provide adaptive tools and materials for a variety of users. Ensure that equipment is within reach for all users.
- Sinks: Install sinks at accessible heights with easy-to-use faucets. Ensure that users in wheelchairs can approach the sink comfortably and operate the faucet independently.
- Easels: Provide adjustable, tabletop or lower easels that accommodate users of varying heights and/or individuals that are seated. Ensure that the easels are stable.
- Storage: Review policies to consider allowing people to store art materials and projects in the space between classes, to limit the need to bring materials back and forth.
Associated Legal Requirements or Obligations
Please note that, while this content was developed by people with expertise in the ADA and legal requirements related to access, it was created for informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.
- 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Gives guidance for public and program spaces in specific sections related to classrooms, meeting spaces and studios:
- Integrated Seating: Assembly areas must provide wheelchair spaces with lines of sight comparable to those for other spectators. Section 221.2.1: Assembly Areas
- Work Surface Heights: Ensure that tables and desks provide appropriate knee and toe clearance to accommodate individuals using mobility devices. Section 902: Dining Surfaces and Work Surfaces
- Assistive Listening Systems (ALS): Provision of ALS: In assembly areas where audible communication is integral, assistive listening systems are required. Section 219: Assistive Listening Systems
- Accessible Sinks: Sinks in classrooms and studios should be accessible, with controls that are operable without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting. Section 606: Lavatories and Sinks
See also:
- 2010 Standards for Accessible Design
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
- Auxiliary Aids and Services
- Effective Communication
- IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act)
- Readily Achievable Barrier Removal
- Reasonable Accommodation
- Safe Harbor
- Undue Burden/Hardship
- Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS)
- U.S. Access Board
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