#handicap access aisles

[plantanarchy]

I think what drives me the most batshit at my workplace is the inability to ever once consider accessibility. our tables aren't safe. our hanging baskets aren't reachable. our aisles are not navigable. our bathrooms have too much furniture. Our parking lot has one handicapped space but the upper houses aren't accessible

[mesosas]

disabled toilet grab rails heights

disabled toilet grab rails heights

Handicapped toilet panels are an important part of any bathroom designed to accommodate people with mobility or balance issues. The grab bar provides the necessary support and stability when using the bathroom, enabling everyone to use the toilet with confidence and respect. Whether you are a homeowner looking to make the bathroom more accessible or a business owner looking to meet accessibility standards, a disabled toilet is important. In this article, we will examine the various instructions and give advice on proper installation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides guidelines for installing barriers in public restrooms, including handicap restrooms. The height of the toilet aisle is an important factor to consider when installing a barrier in a disabled toilet. The ADA recommends a height of between 33 inches and 36 inches off the floor for bar grips because this allows people with limited mobility to easily reach and grab the bar for support. It is important to follow these guidelines when installing restraints to ensure they are accessible and safe for people with disabilities. In addition to the recommended alcohol grip sizes for people with disabilities, the ADA also provides guidelines for the length and strength of alcohol grips. According to the ADA, grab bars must be at least 12 inches long and able to support at least 250 pounds of force. These guidelines are in place to ensure that the grab bars are strong enough to provide support for those who rely on them. It's important to follow these guidelines when installing a retaining bar to ensure that it is safe and effective to use.

[atomicdeerruins]

Parking Lot Striping Layout Dimensions: A Guide to Efficient Design

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on parking lot striping layout dimensions! As an expert in facilities management, I'm look at here here to share valuable insights and tips to help you design an efficient parking lot. Whether you're a property owner, a facilities manager, or just someone interested in the world of parking lot striping, this article is tailored specifically for you.

The Importance of Parking Lot Striping Layout Dimensions

When it comes to parking lots, proper striping is crucial. Not only does it ensure safety and functionality, but it also enhances the overall aesthetics of your property. But before we dive into the specifics of layout dimensions, let's explore why this topic is so important.

Enhancing Safety and Organization

Efficient striping layout dimensions are designed to enhance safety by clearly delineating parking spaces, pedestrian walkways, and traffic flow patterns. This helps prevent accidents and ensures smooth navigation for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Maximizing Space Utilization

By carefully planning the dimensions of your parking lot striping layout, you can maximize the number of available parking spaces. Efficient design allows for optimal space utilization, which is particularly valuable in high-traffic areas where every inch counts.

Enhancing User Experience

A well-designed parking lot not only provides ample space but also considers the needs of different users. For example, motorcycle parking striping should be incorporated to accommodate two-wheeled vehicles effectively. By catering to diverse needs, you create a positive experience for all users.

Key Considerations for Parking Lot Striping Layout Dimensions

Now that we understand the importance of efficient design let's delve into some key considerations when determining parking lot striping layout dimensions.

1. Local Regulations and Guidelines

Before embarking on any striping project, it's essential to familiarize yourself with local regulations and guidelines. Each area may have specific requirements regarding aisle widths, parking space dimensions, accessibility ramps, and more. Ensure compliance with these regulations to avoid any legal issues down the road.

2. Standard Parking Space Dimensions

Standard parking space dimensions typically range from 8.5 to 9 feet in width and 18 to 20 feet in length. These dimensions provide enough space parking for most vehicles to park comfortably. However, it's advisable to consider local norms and the type of vehicles typically found in your area when determining the ideal dimensions.

3. Aisle Widths

Aisle widths play a crucial role in facilitating smooth traffic flow within your parking lot. Generally, aisle widths range from 22 to 24 feet for two-way traffic and 12 to 14 feet for one-way traffic. These dimensions allow vehicles to maneuver safely while ensuring pedestrian parking safety as well.

4. Handicap Accessibility

To ensure inclusivity, it's essential to incorporate handicap-accessible spaces in your parking lot design. These spaces should adhere to specific dimensions outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA recommends a minimum width of 8 feet for handicap-accessible parking spaces, along with an adjacent access aisle.

FAQs

Q1: How do I determine the number of parking spaces my lot can accommodate? A1: The number of parking spaces you

[fulltimebard]

Hey Cynthia. I am willing to work at the store as John Jr as manager if he puts an handicapped accessible aisle in the store.

[whiskeydickclaws]

This is doubly true if you are near ramps, automatic doors, or handicapped seats. If I am using a cane, my crutches, or my walker, i am focused on my own feet and looking for uneven ground. If I even clip them someone who I don't see in a crowd, I will end up on the ground, and likely very injured.

Please be aware of when you can sit on the ground. I won't say never sit on the ground in public, I'm saying be careful and do it safely. Stay near the walls of a subways station, near the benches, where people know there will be things to look for tripping over. Make sure if you're on public transit, you're not sitting in the middle of a standing crowd, but again, near the seats, or a wall.

Do not sit in doors, do not sit in the aisle of a bus where people will have to maneuver around you, etc. Do not sit or take up the accessibility spaces, ramps, etc. if you can help it.

whenever I take a train (whether that be a tube or long distance) I tend to sit on the floor if most seats are taken, I also sit down at the platforms if I have to wait for more than like 10 minutes

now I was wondering whether that is socially acceptable (in theory, not because I care) and since all of my friends are autistic and thus largely don't care about social rules I can't get straight answers

so, dear tumblr, please tell me

please reblog for larger sample size, thank you <3

you can also add your nationality in the tags if you like in case there are cultural differences :)

[petpooja]

Tips To Make Your Restaurant a Disability-Friendly Space

Many people with disabilities enjoy going out to restaurants that serve tasty food. The hospitality industry, however, has not yet achieved full diversity and inclusion. Sadly, disabled customers are often left out of the dining experience because most eateries are not equipped to accommodate them. Adapting your eatery to accommodate those with disabilities requires little effort. The first step in creating a parking lot that is accessible is to designate a specific area with wider aisles. Having handicapped-accessible restrooms is also a definite advantage.

To know more, click here : http://bit.ly/3H5P4vq

[teamcamservices]

Are you ADA Compliant?

It is critical to keep streets and avenues up to ADA compliance. Ensuring that all citizens have access to roads, sidewalks, and facilities should be a priority for government departments, cities, and towns. There are many regulations to keep public spaces compliant with all guidelines and avoid any possible lawsuits.

Public Parking Compliance 

2% of all spaces must be van or handicap accessible

Accessible parking spaces are located on the shortest possible route of travel

For every seven accessible spaces, there is one van parking space

Accessible Routes

Routes are level under ADA standards, routes are clearly defined, and routes connect from spaces to curb

Accessible routes must be at least 36 inches wide.

Unobstructed pedestrian paths connecting parking to public spaces.

Signage

Signs with the symbol of accessibility are mounted in front of the space high enough to be seen while a vehicle is parked in the space

Curbs & ADA Ramps

Ramps are the correct degree of incline and do not extend into access aisles

Sloped curbs have truncated domes

Handrails

Handrails measure the correct height from the walking surface to the top of the grab rail

Handrail height remains consistent above walking surfaces, stair nosing, and ramps

At Team Cam, we make it a priority to stay up to date on ADA guidelines for asphalt and concrete public infrastructure. Each locality has its own set of additional or specific requirements to meet the standards of ADA compliance, and it is important to check and confirm you are meeting those requirements.

If your municipality requires updates, construction, or improvements to become ADA-compliant, call us today at 443-304-2237 for a free estimate.

Download PDF Checklist

 The post Are you ADA Compliant? first appeared on Team Cam.

[briamichellewrites]

64

2004. After four rounds of chemotherapy, the tumor wasn’t shrinking. Elliot was exhausted. Her oncologist wanted to start her on a different drug. She had celebrated her seventeenth birthday in the hospital, where she hadn’t wanted to celebrate her birthday. Her immune system was compromised, making it very easy for her to get sick. She was losing weight because of the drugs in her body. The band was on tour but Brad was back home after finishing work on Oceans Twelve.

He told his management that he was taking the rest of the year off to focus on his daughter and to please not book him for any more jobs. Anna was also very pregnant and he was going back and forth between doctor’s appointments and getting ready for the baby while spending time with Elliot.

Because of the bill for keeping her in a hotel, they looked at her finances and discovered she had enough to buy another house. They could then put her house on the market and he would hire a moving company for her. She agreed to that plan. It would have to include an elevator, be handicap accessible, and/or be one level for her wheelchair.

He set a budget of five million dollars before starting his search with a hired realtor. They discovered a perfect one-story house in Malibu with a beautiful unobstructed view of the ocean. It was over her budget but the realtor let them know that they would get money back from the sale of her house. They went to see it and they fell in love with it! It was perfect for her. She loved the porch because she could look out into the ocean.

They put in an offer and it was approved within forty-eight hours. It took thirty days but she could finally move in! Waking up to the ocean every day was delightful! She loved listening to the waves outside. He hired a nurse assistant, who was board certified to help with hygiene – including bathing, using the toilet, and eating.

The nurse could also bring her back and forth to her chemotherapy appointments and put her to bed. He also hired a companion to stay with her and keep her company. With both parties, he ran thorough background checks to ensure his daughter wouldn’t be abused or neglected. They both understood and agreed to the background checks before being hired. They both came back clean, giving him peace of mind. Having them there lifted a weight off his shoulders.

Elliot liked both of them. On one occasion, she and her companion went for a walk along the beach. She loved hearing the ocean and the birds flying around. Her footrests were put up, so she could feel the sand on her toes. She had the biggest smile as her feet were covered in sand. It felt wonderful! On another outing, the companion asked if they could run to Target to get groceries. Yeah!

It seemed like a boring idea but she loved it! She had a sweatshirt, jacket, blanket, hat, and mask on while they went up and down the aisles. There was happiness in her eyes, happiness that hadn’t been there in a while. After filling the basket, they walked around the rest of the store for exercise. She took her hat off because she was getting warm. In the toy aisle, she came across the Barbies. She didn’t know they still made them!

She looked as beautiful as she did when she was younger, though more expensive. When she was younger, she could get a doll for around ten dollars. That meant she had doubled in price. She had different accessories, as well. Did she use to play with Barbies? She nodded.

“Yeah, up until I was thirteen. Then, I donated them to a children’s hospital.”

“How many did you have?”

“I had four if I’m remembering correctly. I did have a Ken doll. So, I must have had two or three Barbie dolls. Plus, accessories and animals. She’s doubled in price since then.”

“Did you just outgrow them?”

“Yeah, I wanted other kids to play with her. I had the Princess Diana doll, which I should have kept because she’s got to be worth a ton! Oh, well.”

She took one doll off the shelf and looked at it. Yeah, she was just as beautiful as she remembered. She put her back where she found her. They continued walking around while she held the basket on her lap. When they were done checking out, she held onto the bags while they went to the car. It had become cooler because the sun was going down for the day, so she put her hat back on before going outside. It had been a very fun time at her favorite store!

Back home, she had dinner while the companion and nurse swapped out. Once she was done eating, it would be time for her bath and hygiene before bed. Brad found out that they were having a little girl. They were going to name her, Shiloh Hillinger Pitt. Anna went through genetic testing to see if the baby would have Down syndrome, due to Brad’s age. No, the baby had tested negative.

That was good news that he needed. Shiloh was developing the way she was supposed to. He had gotten into contact with the manager of Bon Jovi and told him about his daughter, who was battling cancer. Would the band be open to meeting with her? The manager thought it was something that they would love to do! They had recently released their new album, Bounce, and were getting ready to go on tour the following year but they could fit her into their schedules.

After talking with the band, he got back to him about a date to visit. It would be a day when he would be with her. After getting her ready for the day, he drove her to the studio because he had a surprise for her. She was suspicious, which made him laugh. After parking in the lot, he got out of her wheelchair and then brought it to her side of the car. He then helped her in.

Jon and his band were excited about meeting Elliot because they heard she was a huge fan of theirs. They could hear him talking from the hallway. When she saw them, she took a second before putting her hand over her mouth. Oh my god! They laughed as they went over to introduce themselves. They also hugged her. Brad jokingly asked if she trusted him. Now she did! They laughed again as he brought her over to where they were hanging out.

They brought her a sweatshirt with the band logo on the back, a beanie, and a blanket. She loved all of them! They would keep her warm in the hospital! Thank you! She took off her hat and put on the beanie. They could see how sick she was. Cancer was a disease nobody should have to go through. They had sympathy and compassion for her because they couldn’t imagine.

What if she was their daughter? They kept the conversation positive. They found out she wanted to be a producer for television, movies, and music videos. Maybe they could hire her to produce one of their music videos. That would be cool! They laughed. Did she live in Los Angeles? She had recently moved into a house in Malibu with her dog. Did she live by herself? Yeah, but she had a nurse that came over once a day, plus a hired companion.

She showed them a picture of Bruce, her dog. He was adorable! What was his name? Bruce Springsteen. Was she serious? Yeah, his name was one of the reasons why she adopted him. He was the kind of dog who got angry if he was alone by himself for longer than ten minutes. They laughed. He was very dramatic but that’s why she loved him. Are you going to get more animals?

“If I could, I would adopt every animal in Los Angeles county. When I’m older, I’m going to build a cottage in the middle of nowhere Montana at the foot of the mountain and adopt a bunch of animals. I’ve wanted to do that since I was twelve.”

“We will have to visit your farm someday, then, and meet all your animals”, David Bryan said.

“That would be cool.”

Brad laughed. After a couple of hours, they said goodbye to them. Visiting with them and meeting them cheered her up a lot! They were her favorite band and being able to meet them made her love them even more!

She couldn’t wait to tell Mike and Phoenix about it. Brad knew that meeting the band meant more to her than they probably realized. She had a genuine smile and laugh for the first time in who knows how long and for those two hours, she didn’t have to think about being sick. He would send them a thank you email when he got home.

@zoeykaytesmom @feelingsofaithless @alina-dixon

[nevereacheaven]

here are some cinema tips:

-matinee prices are your cheapest times to go, this is usually before 5pm on weekdays

-many theaters have less expensive tickets on Tuesdays however Disney EXCLUDES their films from any discount pricing

-huge distributors like Disney require their new films to be played in the largest theater for at least 2 weeks, which is why a new film may be selling only a half full of tickets while other films are selling out smaller theaters

-summer classics usually cost very little to license a screening which is why they play the same ones over and over

-new films tend to officially release fridays but if you keep an eye on your local cinema almost all films have a showing thursday evening, though some large films do even earlier shows

-the busiest time at a theater is the 7pm showings

-most theaters have 10 minutes of trailers that play at the listed showtime but you can always call and ask how long the pre show is

-CC and AD are often listed next to films, these are for closed captions and audio description, usually the technology is quite old and finicky but is available

-one-off showings are RARELY provided with accessibility built in, this means there is not an option for a closed caption device or any auditory aids

-most big box theaters have t-coils built in for hearing aids to connect to and have more advanced (clunkier) audio devices. both of these connect DIRECTLY to the film’s audio rather than amplifying ambient sound

-seats marked as handicapped accessible are always empty spaces for wheelchairs, usually the actual seat areas are marked as companion seats

-many accessible seats are located in the center aisle of the theater, though some may be at the very top of stadium seating or at the front of sloped theaters

-any branded cups like coke or popcorn usually can’t be given out for free, your best bet is to ask for a water cup at the bar if they have it as they tend to have much larger cups available for free than the concessions stand

-all modern popcorn poppers have a cornditioner that blows hot air through vents at the bottom of the popper to keep popcorn crisp and fresh, asking for fresh popcorn usually doesn’t mean it’s fresher than the pre-scooped bags, it’s just under a different warmer

-any mystery screenings at your local theaters is a loop-hole to show a classic film or even recent dvds without paying for the distribution, if the theater can feign ignorance over what’s playing they don’t have to pay as much

-big box movie theaters don’t allow children into r rated movies after 6-8pm and almost never allow infants in, if they do they need a ticket if they aren’t sitting in a lap

-most theaters do have cameras in them, some are only being used to make sure you’re in the right seat, seriously

-if you care about the projection of movies you should seek out a local cinema or art house, they have unionized projectionists that load and test the films, especially the masking

-big box theaters usually have an automated system that hits play 30 minutes before and shows the pre-show and film, sometimes there are issues that cause the audio to not play or the screen to cut out. this can take a really long time to fix on a pre-programmed film

-the new screenX panoramic stuff being put in is bs, the only film shot on a wide enough screen for that is the newest top gun, the rest will just be reformatted (possibly with generative ai)

-big box theater chains tend to have contracts with different distributors to show international films, usually pretty niche ones

-movies are almost always programmed to be as loud as possible, bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to it

-most films warn the cinema about flashing lights, though it is up to the cinema itself to display signage. very rarely does anyone screen the film beforehand so always look into possible photosensitivity triggers rather than trusting the cinema itself

-the theater itself is actually thoroughly cleaned throughout the day, high traffic means the floor just stays sticky. marvel movies in particular make it difficult to clean the theaters themselves between films as the after credits scene prevents people from clearing out

-always assume no one else is telling the staff if something is wrong, especially if they’re understaffed and no one is checking on a lot of stuff

a lot of people are against cinemas because “concessions are so expensive” but did you know that’s where almost ALL income for the cinema is generated?

opening weekends (especially of blockbusters) take nearly ALL of the ticket sales, with the percentage decreasing as the movie continues its run. a movie in its third week may be bringing in about half of the ticket price to the theater itself, but the cost of keeping the film running usually outweighs the number of tickets being sold at this more favorable ratio.

many non-profit theaters are running almost ENTIRELY on donations, which is why many “memberships” are very expensive, all of that money is going directly back into the organization.

even private rentals usually make very very little profit, if any at all. cinemas still have to pay to show whatever movie the rental wants, even if the client is providing a dvd or otherwise. the cost of a projectionist to set up and run the film is quite high as they are almost all unionized and have a base hourly rate.

this leaves ONLY concessions. many suppliers have a minimum order of upwards of $2k, which is fine for big box theaters but often result in a massive back stock of perishables for art house theaters.

coca-cola in particular considers most cinemas to be quite “low” on their priority list, meaning theaters can order once a month and receive the “leftovers” despite being contractually obligated to sell coke products. this often leads to a shortage in popular drinks like cherry coke or diet, as well as a fluctuation between the actual drink sizes. if coke is out of their regular 24oz medium cups they will deliver 21oz or other sizes.

all this is to say that you’re paying more for tickets opening weekend at big box theaters that are trying to scale their profit. at smaller local theaters they are often making no money on actual films, which is why they still have pretty high prices on concessions.

[letsbefeminist]

“Remember! Never park in the Access Aisle. Not even for a minute! Even if you have a parking tag or placard. To learn more about how BraunAbility is working to prevent Accessible Parking misuse through the Drive for Inclusion and join the conversation, visit BraunAbility.com/DriveForInclusion”

[brandonimhotep]

{ARTICLE} #Dailymail A #SouthCarolina mother was awarded $10 million from Walmart after she stepped on a rusty nail while shopping and had to undergo three separate amputations that ultimately resulted in her losing her right leg above the knee. April Jones was walking through the main aisle of a #Walmart on Beltline Drive in South Carolina on June 26, 2015, when she felt a sharp pain and saw that a rusty nail had gone through her shoe and foot. After suffering an infection and subsequent surgery, Jones had to endure three separate amputation that eventually left her without most of her right leg. Surgeons initially removed her toes, but that failed to stop the infection spreading, and Jones ultimately lost much of her right leg, leaving her wheelchair-bound. For the past six years, she has been bound to a wheelchair and her daily life was ‘significantly interrupted’ because she lived alone and independently before the incident, according to a statement from Anastopoulo Law Firm, which represented Jones. A #FlorenceCounty jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning with the $10 #million to cover Jones’s past and future medical expenses, including a prosthetic limb and handicap-accessible upgrades to her home. According to lawyers at Anastopoulo Law Firm, Walmart’s policy mandates employees perform regular sweeps inside the store and failed to show evidence that staff cleaned before Jones’s injury. ‘The weakness of Walmart’s case, among other things, was their failure to produce a video that they claim showed their conforming behavior to a company policy calling for employees to perform regular safety sweeps. No such evidence was presented for the duration of the five-day-long trial,’ the law firm wrote in a statement. The verdict comes two weeks after a federal jury in #Florida awarded a woman $2 million over injuries she sustained at a Walmart in #Orlando after slipping and falling on milk leaking from a malfunctioning dairy cooler. ✨👉🏾 KindLY FOLLOW Our New Page @wonderwombman2 ✨🧡 ✨👉🏾 (DM FOR Promo Prices) 📬📬 https://www.instagram.com/p/CW9WbrZF3iJ/?utm_medium=tumblr

[crinkly-spinkly]

Mind if I take an aisle seat for handicap access? So excited!!!

I mean you could do one of those "draw yourself/ sona" things, just get people to know a wedding theme such as a black suit or dress, with pink attire. Then people could draw it then selfs and know the theme.

I'm definitely not the best at exactly explaining it tho ����

That's a good idea! The grooms will be wearing white and light pink, guests are encouraged to wear yellow, blue, pink/red, and purple. Really it's just about making the wedding bright and colorful (but tasteful!) Classic black suits are still allowed though if preferred

You can either just draw yourself in your wedding getup or draw yourself doing something at the wedding like dancing or tending to the buffet (there will be a chocolate fountain if that interests anyone). If you did want to draw yourself in the crowd during the ceremony you can draw yourself sitting in/next to one of these chairs

Have fun

[isgrow]

What To Do When Someone Parks in the Access Aisle

being published on http://mybecause.com/what-to-do-when-someone-parks-in-the-access-aisle/

[sendsalt]

You know who drives me crazy? People who see a disability sign at a register or on seating or something and joke with you about how they need the accommodation. Most of the time it’s “My wife would say I’m mentally disabled! Haha!” or “I hate walking, is that a handicap? I need those seats! Haha!” For some reason it’s pretty much always middle-age or elderly men who do this, and it pissed me off before I became disabled myself and it pisses me off even more now.

I used to work at a movie theater with reserved seating and it was really bad there with people constantly making jokes about why they should get the handicap seats (which were in a prime location) and expecting me to laugh along. At the grocery store where I work now I’m usually at one of the registers that is marked as having a wheelchair-accessible aisle and I still get some people who joke about that. I don’t understand why they think it’s so hilarious, especially because they’re not actually trying to get me to give them accommodations--they’re just expecting me to laugh at their lame joke about needing them.

Like, I’m glad that the fact that some people, including myself, require accommodations to live our everyday lives is a source of comedic material to you. I’m glad that to you these accommodations, which disabled people have had to fight tooth and nail for, are so meaningless that you can joke about them, when for some people they mean the difference between whether we can get our grocery shopping done or not, when they’re things that we have to constantly be thinking and worrying about. And I’m glad that you feel so sure that everyone you see, if they’re not overtly handicapped, is as able-bodied as you are and that you think we all find jokes about disability as hilarious as you do. 

Those kind of jokes weren't even funny or appropriate in elementary school. Grow the fuck up, people. 

[my-autistic-things]

Using an disability parking placard

I've been thinking about this a lot lately because my mobility has gotten better. I've had anxiety about using my disability parking placard since I got it/started using my dad's. Last week I was in a major rush to get to my next class (I drive from one parking lot to the next bc it's all the way across campus) so I was walking fast to my car, dumped my bag in one side, and half jogged around to the drivers side. This older guy, not disabled/needing the stall (the second stall was open) come walking by and yells "Doesn't look like you're handicapped!" And glares at me and walks away.

I think I've talked about this before on here but I'm upset so I'll talk about it again. The reasons for needing a placard are as diverse as disability itself. My personal need for a placard as someone who can walk is very different from a wheelchair user. My dad, who uses an electric wheelchair, needs the accessible stall because he needs to get out of the car. The ramp needs to go down in the access aisle for him to get out. He doesn't necessarily need to be close to the building he's going into, but that helps when he'd have to go all the way around the lot to get onto the sidewalk otherwise.

The reason why I need have a placard is because of my joint pain and bad back. I can walk, I go for long walks now too, but some days walking is extremely painful. I can't reliably walk long distances. Also, some days like today I can walk "fine" but I can tell if I walk too much my hips are going to be hell to deal with tonight.

And lastly, it's not even that I need to be as close as possible to the building, it's that I can't park in the other off campus lot. If other stalls are open, I'll take those over the accessible stall so people who need those stalls specifically (and not just in that close area) can use them. If I couldn't park on campus, I would have to park in a lot that's a 15-2 min walk from campus, then maybe another 5-10-15 min walk to my class. I could take the school bus from that lot, but it's not too reliable and it still drops me off 5-10 min walk from my class (and it's often full so I'd have to stand). And on top of that, all but the accessible stalls (and reserved for teachers stalls) are on the bottom level. The rest of the student stalls are 1-7 flights up to both walk down and up. I can't do that.

My point of all this is that it's most realistic for me to just park on campus. The only way for me to do that is to have a student disability permit, with a disability placard. I have to either park in the accessible stalls or the closest open stall to my class. Even though I don't necessarily need the accessible stall, the alternative is unrealistic for me to do every day. If I was forced to walk, in the heat, every day to my class for at least 5-10 min, up to 20-30 min if the bus doesn't come, I wouldn't be able to.

If you see someone that looks able bodied parking in the accessible stall WITH A PLACARD, don't he an asshole. They have a reason for parking there. Fuck off

[thatdisasterauthor]

Accessibility at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Hello! Time for my promised post on accessibility at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Firstly, some housekeeping: I work for the DMNS in customer service. I am not in marketing, and I’m writing this post on my own time and any mistakes in it are mine. Secondly, if you ever see me at the museum you are more than welcome to say hi as long as I’m not with a customer!

Now then, on to the post! I am going to break this down into a few sections based on different areas of the museum. I’ve done my best to document all our accessibility features as of February 2020, but we are always working to become more accessible so things may change as time goes on. If you ever have any questions about any of the things mentioned here, ask at the front desk or the information desk. We will be more than happy to help you and will do everything in our power to give you the best experience possible.

OVERALL ACCESSIBILITY

Parking: the museum has plenty of handicap parking in two sections along the front (north side) of the museum, and several spots on the east side by the night IMAX entrance. There are also several spots on each level of the parking garage (which is free), with access to the parking garage elevators from them. You are also welcome to drop people off directly in front of the doors and then go park from there, if that works better for you.

Public Transport: The museum has a bus stop on the east side, but you will have to go around to the north side to enter the museum.

Wheelchairs: We provide free wheelchairs to our guests. You just have to leave your name and phone number. These wheelchairs can be checked out at the information desk across from the gift shop. If you need to send a friend or family member in to get a chair for you and bring it out to your car just have them check in at the ticket-scan and we will happily let them run in to get you a chair. If you use a different assistive walking device and would like to switch to a chair for the day you can check your regular walking device at the information desk and it will be kept safe until you come to swap back.

Strollers: We also provide free strollers if you need one. They are checked out under the same system as wheelchairs.

Elevators: There are elevators throughout the museum. Please be patient with them, though, some are a little slow! There is one located just past the entrance to the gift shop, one across from the Gems & Minerals exhibit, several in the west atrium, and two in Prehistoric Journey to allow access to the tiny extra floor in there. There is also one in IMAX, but it is a special elevator and we’ll get to it more in the IMAX section. Also. If you happen to... ah... end up in our basement when taking our elevators please do us a favor and just stay on the elevator and go back upstairs. The elevator was not supposed to let you down there but sometimes they like to go on adventures.

Audio Guides: We recently got some shiny new location based audio guides for people with visual impairments. These take a little more setup, so  ask at the front desk for the “EdgGuide��� and we’ll help you get things going. They are completely free, but you will need to download an app onto your phone for it to work.

Family Restroom/Brest Feeding Room: The museum now has a family restroom and breast feeding area. It is located just inside the entrance to the Gems & Minerals exhibit to the right. There is an additional family restroom in the Discovery Zone on the second floor, and outside of the temporary exhibits area on Level 3.

Lockers/Coat Check: We provide an area to hang coats just behind the first escalator. There are also small lockers in the same area. If you need a larger locker for something like luggage or anything else larger, ask the security guard in the front lobby and they’ll take you to our larger lockers. Said security guards usually hang out under the T-Rex or over by ticket-scan. If you can’t locate one, ask the ticket scanner and they will locate one for you.

Language: If English is not your first language we do have a fairly diverse staff when it comes to language skills. Some staff members will wear buttons indicating other languages they can speak, but not all. If you would prefer to communicate in another language please feel free to let us know and we’ll do our best to track someone down who speaks that language. It may take a few minutes, and I can’t promise we’ll always be able to find someone, but we’ll do our best!

Evening Hours: The museum has just started offering evening hours every Friday! We are now open until 10pm on Fridays to allow more access to the museum for people who may struggle to visit at other times due to work/life commitments. Admission is the same as day admission, and you can come any time during the day. There is a bar and we also have different fun things going on throughout the museum.

Low Sensory Experiences: The museum has recently started offering low sensory experiences in various parts of the museum. These are usually earlier in the morning, before regular opening, or in the evening after regular closing. Some of them are quieter IMAX films, some are calmer setups in our Discovery Zone for kids, some are specially lit access to the dioramas. The best way to keep up to date with when these are happening is to join the museum newsletter which you can join by going to the DMNS website and clicking on the blue “Stay in Touch” button .

Braille Maps: We have braille maps available for checkout at the main ticketing desk. They do need to be returned at the end of your visit.

ASL Interpreters for events: If you need an interpreter for any lecture or event we are holding please call the museum or e-mail guest services at least a week ahead of the event. 303-370-6000 or guestservices@dmns.org.

DAY IMAX

Our IMAX theater gets two sections, as accessibility for day events is a little different from night events, since we use two different entrances. Also, if you need any help/have any questions during the film you can find a host sitting behind the projection booth at the top of the theater. Sometimes we’ll also be in the top couple rows of seats watching the films. We wear blue fleece jackets (or vests) and black shirts with a white outline of a square on the front and in the square are a bunch of different languages saying “Welcome.”

Closed Captioning: Many of our IMAX films come with closed captioning, though unfortunately not all. You can check our schedule on the doors of the IMAX theater for the CC symbol, ask the ticket taker inside the theater, or ask someone at the front desk. When you come in for your film just let the IMAX ticket scanner know you need closed captioning and we’ll grab you one of our closed captioning stands. They automatically sync up with the film and are adjustable for comfortable viewing.

2D conversion glasses: We offer special glasses that will convert our 3D movies back into 2D for anyone who has issues with 3D movies. Just ask the person handing out glasses for a 2D pair and we’ll give you those instead of the regular 3D ones.

3D glasses: our 3D glasses are designed to fit over regular glasses, so even if you have regular glasses you should still be able to enjoy our 3D films.

Earplugs: If you have issues with the volume of IMAX films we offer earplugs. Just ask the IMAX ticket scanner and they will grab you a pair.

Audio Descriptive Devices: We offer audio descriptive devices for our films. Ask the ticket scanner and they will grab you one and get you set up.

No-Stairs Entrance: The IMAX theater involves a lot of stairs, so if you need an entrance without them here’s how that works! The main entrance to the IMAX is on the second floor, while the accessible/no stairs entrance is on the third floor. You are welcome to go right to the third floor, however we only sell snacks on the second floor so if you want snacks be sure to stop in and grab them first! When entering on the third floor please wait for a host to escort you into the theater. This is so we can make sure you are properly set up for the film with glasses and anything else you need, and to make sure you aren’t entering while the previous film is still playing.

Accessible seating: Once inside there are a few different areas that you can sit without having to go down any stairs. We have two areas for wheelchairs/scooters and each can fit about three chairs/scooters, with two seats for guests. We also have a few extra regular chairs that we can bring up for other people in your group, but please note that wheelchairs/scooters have to have priority in those areas. There is also a row on either side of the theater that is below the wheelchair area, but not down any stairs. Everyone is welcome to use these, but if you are transferring out of your chair/scooter to use these we have to have you park your chair/scooter behind the projection booth due to fire code not allowing anything to be in the aisles. Also, if you need to charge your chair/scooter we do have a couple outlets behind the projection booth, but only on one side. Lastly, you are welcome to go sit elsewhere in the theater, but please know you will have to go back up the stairs to exit.

Larger Chairs: If our chairs are too small for you we do have two larger regular chairs that can be moved into the wheelchair seating area for you to use, but please note that wheelchairs have priority in that area. Ask a host and we can grab one of these chairs for you.

Night IMAX

Closed Captioning: Same as the day IMAX.

2D Conversion Glasses: Same as the day IMAX.

3D Glasses: Same as the day IMAX.

Earplugs: Same as the day IMAX.

Audio Descriptive Devices: same as the day IMAX.

No-Stairs entrance/exit: Here’s where things get a little different! Firstly, if you are at a 5 o’clock showing of one of our films (and it is not Friday) you will be exiting out the east side of the museum, rather than the north side where you came in. The only way to exit without stairs is to take our IMAX elevator down. However, to take our IMAX elevator down you have to be escorted by a host. The reason for this is that the elevator is a little funky. Not in a “it doesn’t function” way, just that it is programmed to have the lights off part of the time so it won’t disturb anyone if used during the show, so if you don’t know how to use it you’ll just be stuck in a dark box. Also, it is a security point so we have to keep it locked a lot of the time, and sometimes it gets locked in places it doesn’t belong so we have to go hunt it down and unlock it to bring it up to the theater.

If you are coming to an evening show at IMAX, such as our weekend showings of various Hollywood films or our 6 o’clock showings of our shorter IMAX films that we also show during the day, you will be entering on the museum on the EAST side rather than the north side. We have the elevator unlocked during this time, and you can come right on in through it. The lights won’t turn off on you and you don’t need an escort for this part! Just go to the right of the east entrance doors and you’ll see another door to a little vestibule with the elevator. Take it to the lobby and get your tickets scanned and buy your snacks, then let a host know and we’ll take you up into the theater proper. The exiting procedure is the same as mentioned above: you will need a host to take you down.

Accessible seating: same as the day IMAX.

Larger Chairs: same as the day IMAX.

Planetarium

Audio Descriptive Devices: We offer audio descriptive devices for our films. Ask the ticket scanner and they will grab you one and get you set up. 

Accessible Seating: The top row of the planetarium has room for roughly six wheelchairs/scooters, and six regular seats for guests or anyone who can’t use the stairs. You are also welcome to sit down in the lower rows, but please know you will have to exit back up the stairs.

Earplugs: We also offer earplugs if the volume is a bit much for you. Ask the ticket scanner and we will get you a pair.

Larger Chairs: If our chairs are too small for you we do have two larger regular chairs that can be moved into the wheelchair seating area for you to use, but please note that wheelchairs have priority in that area. Ask a host and we can grab one of these chairs for you.

Virtual Reality

Currently, our virtual reality arcade offers three types of experiences. Please note that some of these are more vertigo inducing than others. The first is our Virtual Reality Transporter which involves sitting on a platform with four seats and wearing a virtual reality headset as the platform moves in time with the simulation you are watching. You are buckled in, and there is a bar in front of you for you to hold onto and each simulation lasts about five minutes. The second is our game bays. We have twelve games to choose from including popular ones like Beat Saber and Job Simulator. Some are more intense, game based, and more likely to cause vertigo, others are more laid back and exploration based. You get ten minutes to play. Third, we have Birdly. Birdly involves laying on your stomach on a table with wings while wearing a virtual reality headset. You then get to fly around as a dinosaur for three minutes.

Also, little note. The Virtual Reality Transporter is a... finicky, machine. It can smell the fear of its operator and likes to mock us with strange glitches at inconvenient times. If you are ever riding it and the screen goes black or white give a shout and we’ll stop the ride and try to convince it to behave again.

Glasses: Two of our three experiences allow you to wear glasses while wearing the headsets. You can wear them while doing Birdly, or while playing in the game bays. Unfortunately, you can’t wear them on the Virtual Reality Transporter as it uses a different type of headset that is not designed for them. For many people the fact that the headset sits right in front of your eyes negates most vision issues, but not always. If you are worried about how well you will be able to see on the transporter without your glasses ask one of the hosts if you can peek in a headset before you buy your tickets so you can see if it will be worth it for you. Once you put the headset on you can also wiggle it around a bit to make sure it is sitting right to give you the best possible focus, and they have a little slider on the bottom that you can move to focus things as well.

Wheelchair accessibility: For Birdly if you can comfortably get up on the platform without assistance then you can ride Birdly. You will have to park your chair in the corner or outside the Birdly enclosure. For the games you are welcome to stay in your chair, but please realize that many of the games require moving around and you will also be holding a controller in each hand so your ability to easily move your chair may be limited. Of our current offerings the games that require the least moving around are The Blu, Beat Saber, Nature Treks, and Google Earth. Our games change sometimes though, so feel free to ask a host about the level of movement in each game. For the transporter we have two options. Firstly, if you can get up onto the platform on your own or with the help of someone in your group then you are more than welcome to ride on the platform, however a host cannot be the one to help you up. Also, please note that your chair will not be able to remain in the enclosure during the ride as there is not room, so you will have to have someone in your group move it back out for you or be comfortable with having a host move it. The second option is our non-platform headset. This headset allows you to remain in your chair and watch the same simulation without the movement of the platform.

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Whew! This ended up a bit longer than I thought it would! Again, if you have any questions please feel free to ask them at the front desk or the information desk, or ask anyone in a blue fleece vest/jacket or in our black Welcome shirts.

If you have any other suggestions for further accessibility measures feel free to send me a DM and I will bring them up.

I have also cross-posted this on my personal blog on my website for easy access since tumblr is... tumblr.