Event Accessibility Resources

Why is Accessibility Important?

At SIU Carbondale, we aim to ensure full access for all members of our community, including those with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that programs and services be accessible to people with disabilities. Planning for accessibility improves the experience for everyone.

At a temporary event, persons with disabilities must be able to:

Obtain information and directions prior to the event
Find and use accessible parking
Get from accessible parking to entrances
Get additional information at the event
Use public facilities and communications
Select and purchase items at concessions
Participate fully in activities

Event Advertisement Requirements

All event advertisements must tell people how to request disability accommodations. This applies to all formats, including brochures, flyers, job postings, web pages, email announcements, Facebook events, SIU Today announcements, and more.

The event coordinator’s contact information must be listed for accommodation requests.
Do not list the Office of Access & Accommodations (OAA) as the contact. Event coordinators are the ones who know the event details and can respond to questions quickly and accurately.
If you need help figuring out how to meet an attendee’s accommodation request, you may contact OAA for support.

Sample statement

For disability accommodations, contact [event coordinator’s phone and email].

For questions or accommodation requests, contact [event coordinator’s phone and email].

If your event has a website, include a clear deadline for accommodation requests so you have enough time to plan. Consider linking to this page for accessibility resources.

Events announced months ahead may need earlier deadlines.
Events announced only a week or two ahead may allow shorter notice.

If you already have communication access arranged, such as a sign language interpreter or open captioning, include that information in the event ad.

Facility Access Considerations

As an event planner, it is a good idea to review the accessibility features of the location you plan to use for your event. This will prepare you to answer questions regarding accessibility from interested parties.
Careful consideration of an event space and facility location helps provide a more accessible and inclusive event for all participants.
The ADA requires all buildings and facilities that are open to the public to be accessible. This includes temporary structures that are extensively used by or are essential for public use at an event.

Transit and Parking

Nearby ADA-designated parking
Closest transit stops
How would someone get to the building?

Transportation

Event planners providing transportation should utilize JAX as a provider for handicap accessible seating.
View the Transportation Information page.

Route and Entrance

The route from the ADA parking and transit to the entrance is flat and paved
A ramp is available where exterior steps lead to the entrance
Clear signage to an accessible entrance (if the main entrance is inaccessible) is present
The door has a lever-style handle (not a knob) and is relatively light if the door is not automatic or held open

Building Specific Accessible Pathways, Entrances, and Bathrooms

The listed pages display accessible routes, entrances, and bathrooms for buildings used to host events on campus.

Wheelchair Access Services

Southern Illinois University Carbondale does not provide wheelchairs for event use.
Attendees who require wheelchairs or other mobility devices should be advised to bring their own.
Event planners should share this information so attendees can plan ahead.
If a participant believes that they may need a wheelchair, suggest that they search for local home health supply stores in our area.

Interior Event Location

An elevator exists where programs are not on the main floor
The furniture is movable, or in fixed seating areas, accessible seating options are available for participants with mobility disabilities
Interior walkways are at least 36” wide, and doors are at least 32" wide
There is plenty of space to maneuver around tables
Lighting is sufficient, evenly distributed, and minimizes glare
The acoustics are appropriate, and in rooms where audio will be amplified (microphones), assistive listening devices are available for participants who are hard of hearing
The stage and projector screen are easily visible (if in use)
Restrooms with accessible stalls are located near the event location(s)
Clear signage indicates the location of accessible restrooms and elevators
Easy access to water or water fountains
Electric cords crossing walkways are covered

Service Animals

Service animals are permitted to attend on-campus events. For more information, please see information for the campus community on the Service Animals page.

Communication Access

SIU Carbondale is committed to providing accessible communication to persons of all abilities. For more information, view the Communication Access page.

Sensory Environment

Creating a sensory-friendly environment is an important aspect of making your event accessible.
Guidance on what a sensory-friendly environment looks like and ways to implement elements into your event can be found on the Sensory Environment page.