Physical and Environmental Accessibility Parking and Drop-Off Areas
1. Are accessible parking spaces clearly marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA)?
2. Are accessible parking spaces located on the shortest accessible route to an accessible entrance?
3. Are access aisles next to accessible spaces kept clear and level?
4. Are snow, leaves, and debris cleared promptly from accessible spaces and walkways?
5. Are drop-off zones level, wide enough for a ramp or lift (minimum 8 feet), and free of obstructions?
6. Are parking areas and pathways well-lit for safety at night?
7. Is the accessible entrance clearly identified with signage (especially if not the main entrance)?
8. Is at least one main entrance step-free or ramped?
9. Are ramps stable, slip-resistant, and no steeper than 1:12 (1 inch of rise per 12 inches of run)?
10. Are entrances and hallways free of clutter, decorations, or furniture that block access?
11. Do door handles have lever-style grips or hardware that can be operated with one hand and minimal twisting?
12. Are doors lightweight (no more than 5 pounds of force to open) or equipped with automatic openers?
13. Is weatherstripping, raised thresholds, or mats low enough not to block wheelchairs or create trip hazards? Thresholds at doorways may not exceed ½ inch in height.
14. Are exterior pathways firm, stable, and slip-resistant (concrete, asphalt, compacted crushed stone)?
15. Are accessible routes between main areas (entrance, sanctuary, restrooms, classrooms, fellowship hall) at least 36 inches wide and free of obstacles? ADA 403.5.1: Clear width of accessible routes must be at least 36 inches, with 60-inch passing spaces every 200 feet.
Seating and Gathering Spaces
16. Are there designated wheelchair spaces with companion seating provided in multiple areas (not just the back)? ADA 221.2.3: Wheelchair spaces must be an integral part of the seating plan.
17. Are chairs moveable or flexible to allow for accessible seating arrangements?
18. Are some seats available with armrests to help people stand or sit more easily?
19. Is there space beside seating areas for service animals to rest without blocking aisles or doorways?
20. Are seating options varied (soft, firm, armless, etc.) to accommodate different comfort or mobility needs?
21. Are aisles and walkways at least 36 inches wide, with 60 inches clear in main circulation routes?
22. Are accessible routes to and from seating kept free of cords, stands, or decorations?
Restrooms and Changing Areas
23. Are accessible restrooms clearly marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility?
24. Is at least one accessible restroom located on the same level as the worship space (or accessible by elevator)?
25. Are doors easy to open and equipped with lever handles or push/pull plates?
26. Are grab bars present and securely mounted beside and behind at least one toilet? ADA 604.5: Grab bars must be 33–36 inches above the floor.
27. Is there enough room in at least one stall for a wheelchair to turn (60-inch diameter turning circle or T-shaped space)?
28. Are toilets centered 16–18 inches from the adjacent wall for side transfers?
29. Are sinks and mirrors mounted at accessible heights (sink rim ≤34 inches; mirror bottom edge ≤40 inches)?
30. Are soap, paper towel, and dryer controls mounted 15–48 inches from the floor and operable with one hand? ADA 309.4: No tight grasping or twisting required.
31. Are tactile and braille restroom signs mounted between 48–60 inches from the floor?
32. Is at least one restroom labeled as all-gender or family-accessible?
33. Is there a baby changing table or adult changing station in at least one accessible restroom?
Lighting and Environmental Comfort Note: Questions related to sound clarity, microphone use, and sensory comfort are addressed in the Accessible Communication and Emotional Accessibility tools.
34. Are rooms, hallways, and entrances evenly lit without harsh glare or shadows?
35. Are burned-out light bulbs replaced quickly?
36. Are HVAC vents adjusted so they don’t blow directly on seating areas?
37. Are mats securely fastened or have non-slip backing to prevent tripping?
38. Are temperature and airflow comfortable throughout the space (not overly hot or cold)?
39. Are candles, incense, or chemical air fresheners avoided or replaced with low-scent alternatives?
40. Are permanent signs consistent in style and easy to recognize throughout the building?
41. Do directional and informational signs use large, high-contrast text (minimum 70% contrast ratio)? ADA 703.5: Character height must be at least 5/8 inch for room identification signs; fonts must be sans-serif and non-decorative.
42. Are signs printed or finished with a matte surface to prevent glare?
43. Are signs mounted between 40 and 70 inches above the floor (visible to seated and standing people)?
44. Do key signs (restrooms, exits, classrooms) include tactile or braille lettering?
45. Are directional signs placed at decision points such as hallway intersections or stairways?
46. Are large-print or tactile maps available near main entrances and elevators?
47. Are temporary event signs placed at accessible heights and not blocking walkways?
Emergency Preparedness and Maintenance
48. Are emergency exit signs illuminated and easy to locate from all areas?
49. Are accessible routes to exits kept clear and unobstructed at all times?
50. Are evacuation maps posted in large print and easy to understand?
51. Are emergency instructions written in plain language and available in multiple formats (printed, projected, or read aloud)?
52. Are ushers and volunteers trained on how to assist people with disabilities during evacuations?
53. Is there a designated outdoor meeting point that is accessible to everyone?
54. Are accessibility checks included in regular facility inspections and maintenance schedules?
55. Are accessibility goals and improvements reviewed and communicated at least annually?
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