Mobility Devices

There are many types of mobility devices that are used by, rented, and/or loaned to individuals with disabilities in public spaces, including arts and culture venues. It is quite common for venues to loan or rent out manual wheelchairs and scooters. Mobility devices can include:

• Wheelchairs:
  • Manual wheelchairs: Standard chairs that require the user to propel themselves with hand rims on the wheels.
  • Electric wheelchairs: Electric wheelchairs designed for individuals who may not have the strength or dexterity to propel a manual wheelchair.
• Scooters (also known as electric mobility scooters or electric conveyance vehicles):
  • These devices are typically used by individuals who have limited walking ability but can still use their hands for control. They are common in large venues or outdoor events.
• Walkers:
  • Standard walkers: Basic walking aids for individuals needing support for balance or stability.
  • Rollators: Walkers with wheels, often equipped with brakes and a seat for resting. Rollators can provide a level of access for individuals who may not need a wheelchair, but need a bit more than the support of a cane or regular walker.
• Crutches:
  • Underarm crutches: Commonly used by individuals with temporary or long-term mobility issues.
  • Forearm crutches (also called elbow crutches): Often used by individuals with more significant mobility limitations, providing better support.
• Knee walkers (also known as knee scooters):
  • These devices are typically rented by individuals recovering from foot or ankle injuries, allowing them to “scoot” while keeping weight off the injured limb.
• Canes:
  • Standard canes: Single-point canes for individuals who need minimal support.
  • Quad canes: Canes with a wider base, often with four “feet,” for more stability.
• Other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMDs): are defined in the ADA regulations as any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other engines that may be used by people with disabilities to get around. They can include:
  • Golf carts
  • Electronic personal assistance mobility devices (Segways®)
  • Other devices designed to operate in areas without defined public routes, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

When accommodating individuals who bring their own mobility devices, organizations should consider the following factors to ensure accessibility, safety, and a positive experience for all visitors:

• Unrestricted access: Organizations must allow individuals to use their personal mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs, scooters, walkers) in all public areas where visitors are permitted. This is a requirement under the ADA and ensures that individuals with disabilities can access and enjoy all parts of the venue.
• Individualized consideration: Avoid making assumptions about a person’s mobility needs. For example, some individuals may prefer to use their own mobility device rather than a rented one, even if they could benefit from a different device.
• No additional documentation or requirements: Individuals should not be required to provide documentation, certification, or prove their need to use their personal mobility devices. It’s essential to respect their right to use their own device without further requirements.
• Storage and parking: For larger devices like scooters, consider providing designated areas where visitors can park or store their devices while they engage in activities or view performances or exhibits. Ensure that these areas are easily accessible and secure and that there is a clear and communicated plan to reunite users with their devices as needed and in the event of an emergency.
• Considerations for charging needs: If visitors use electric mobility devices (such as power wheelchairs or scooters), consider providing accessible charging stations where they can recharge their devices while in the venue.
• Seating arrangements: Ensure that seating areas, especially for performances or events, are accessible and can accommodate both the individual and their mobility device. Consider providing spaces where devices can remain with their user without blocking pathways or creating barriers for other patrons.
• Staff assistance: Train staff to be respectful and knowledgeable about interacting with individuals who use mobility devices. This includes offering assistance if requested and providing helpful directions for navigating the venue. Policies should also exist to discourage staff from offering weight-bearing support like assisting a person to transfer from a chair to the wheelchair.
• Communication of policies: Clearly communicate to visitors that they are welcome to bring their personal mobility devices. This can be included in pre-visit communications or clearly posted at entrances.
• Policies for unique situations: Create a policy for consideration of mobility devices not covered under the ADA (for example, a different type of scooter).
• Emergency procedures: Ensure that individuals with personal mobility devices are included in emergency evacuation plans and that there is a clear plan to reunite individuals with their devices. Remember that not everyone can be separated from their mobility device, as some wheelchairs, for example, carry additional equipment such as ventilators or communication devices, or are constructed specifically to support an individual’s body. Designated staff should be trained to assist individuals with mobility impairments in case of an emergency.

While not required, renting or loaning specific devices can help ensure that individuals can access spaces comfortably and participate in activities without facing barriers due to mobility issues.

By considering the best practices below, your organization can ensure that your mobility device rental systems are accessible, well-managed, and safe, enabling individuals with disabilities to fully enjoy their visit.

• Equitable access: Ensure that all individuals, regardless of their disability, have equal access to rental devices. Policies should not discriminate based on the severity of the disability.
• Availability of different devices: If possible, provide a variety of devices (wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, etc.) to accommodate different needs.
• Insurance coverage: Ensure that your organization has appropriate insurance coverage for potential damages, accidents, or injuries caused while using rented mobility devices.
• Ensure compatibility with the physical space: Be sure any available devices can move safely and freely through physical space (doorways, bathrooms, etc.).
• Clear communication: Make policies for renting and borrowing mobility devices easily accessible to visitors through clear signage, website details, or on request.
• Clear signage: Display clear signage indicating where rental devices are available and where they can be returned.
• Clear instructions: Provide users with basic instructions on how to use the devices safely and properly. This can be in the form of printed instructions or brief training from staff. Be sure to also include any instructions on when/how to return devices.
• Regular inspections and maintenance: Ensure all devices are inspected, sanitized, and properly maintained on a regular basis. This reduces the risk of malfunctions and ensures a safe experience.
• Staff training: Train staff to assist individuals in selecting appropriate mobility devices based on their needs, if asked, and provide assistance in using them if necessary. Staff should also be trained on how to explain rental policies clearly.
• Gather feedback: Be sure to solicit feedback from the disability community and users on their experience, preferences, and needs related to renting or borrowing mobility equipment. Improvements in technology have allowed mobility devices to be modified in such a way that they are ever-changing, so your organization should be ready to respond and adapt.

Grounds For Sculpture is a 42-acre art-filled sculpture park and garden with numerous paths to navigate and an inherent understanding that nature itself does not abide by the elements of universal design. Paths can consist of a mix of mulch, pea gravel or paver stone. To support access for visitors, Grounds For Sculpture offers rentals of ECVs and Wheelchairs at a first come, first serve basis. Read more about their innovative offerings here. “We have partnered with Venu+ and their Fleet Mobility options to improve mobile accessibility – specifically for outdoor venues like amusement parks and gardens. The Heavy Duty Park ECV Scooter is one solution we have at Grounds For Sculpture – the flat-free outdoor terrain tires (meant to traverse outdoor spaces without the fear of a tire deflating) and 35-mile range on a full charge are features that align well with a general visit. Similarly, the Lite Aluminum Wheelchairs – also with flat-free tires and a lighter frame build – allow visitors to easily maneuver wheelchairs across the park paths. In addition, we offer Grounds For Sculpture’s Access Mobile which are ADA-rated vehicles that can accommodate a maximum of five people or four people and a wheelchair. This 45-minute docent led tour of the grounds is available to visitors with limited mobility. Access Mobile seats are available for visitors with an accommodation need for themselves and one guest to maintain availability for other visitors with disabilities and advance reservations are highly recommended. The Access Mobile tours run four times a day and are complementary with paid admission. The two vehicles used for the Access Mobile are the Club Car Villager 8 (see cutsheet in Resources) and the Tomberlin E-Merge 500 LE (adapted with a wheelchair accessible ramp). This is a service we offer to supplement the walking docent tours that are typically available to visitors.”