Navigating New Accessibility Regulations
Image Credit: magicaltravel.com
Denise Schaberg, Senior Project Manager/Quality Assurance
The landscape of accessibility regulations has evolved recently, with new regulations poised to impact attractions globally. While these rules and regulations may not directly impact all attractions immediately, they are a sign of the continual improvement of industry standards and expectations for accessibility.
Denise Schaberg, Senior Project Manager/Quality Assurance at PGAV Destinations, combines regulatory expertise with a designer’s perspective to ensure both compliance and exceptional visitor experience. She explains, “To be enforceable, rules and regulations are framed in terms of maximums and minimums, black and white, but disabilities are a range and unique to the individual. No one person fits an exact definition of a disability. Accessible accommodation is a component of safety and comfort as the baseline for good design. Providing accessible accommodation increases the opportunities for great guest experiences.”
As part of her role, Schaberg keeps the PGAV design teams aware of codes and industry standards, including access for people with disabilities. The quality assurance team receives regular updates, advice, and training courses from the Access Board (ADA), the ICC (IBC), the Great Lakes ADA Center, and the Great Plains ADA Center. She says incorporating disability access into project designs and operations is second nature at PGAV.
There are several regulations to be aware of this year.
European Accessibility Act
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) was adopted in 2019 but goes into effect this summer. It impacts theme parks and other attractions by mandating that they ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. The EAA applies to all who are doing business within the European Union and ensures equal access by addressing physical, digital, and social inclusion. In-scope products and services released after June 28 must be in compliance by 2030. For attractions, this involves accessible entry systems, inclusive ride designs, clear wayfinding with tactile and auditory aids, and digital platforms that are compliant with accessibility standards. Information about park offerings, including emergencies, should be available in formats like large print, braille, and audio, with sign language interpretation for performances. Staff must be trained to assist diverse needs, and new construction must meet accessibility standards. Entertainment should include features like subtitles and audio descriptions.
Notably, these standards include details for audio and wayfinding. Schaberg explains the importance of a holistic view of design in wayfinding: " A visual wayfinding aid can be a sign, but the more successful design provides a visual hint, like a change in height, an unusual shape, or a new sensory experience that pulls you forward. The sign then reassures you that you are traveling in the right direction.”
Acoustic design requirements are beginning to appear as code requirements for classrooms and hotel rooms. Schaberg says, “Creating spaces that provide a comfortable listening experience benefits everyone. Presentation spaces, dining spaces, large foyers, and galleries require acoustic design consideration. I foresee acoustic design requirements expanding to other spaces and becoming more rigorous. Proper acoustic treatment of spaces has a positive impact on the guest experience.”
Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)
Air travel is not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which led to the creation of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). However, significant challenges remained, especially for passengers using wheelchairs or scooters. To address these issues, new regulations now set higher standards for safety, respect, and accessibility. The regulations that take effect on January 16th require annual hands-on training for airline staff and mandate prompt handling and care of wheelchairs. Airlines must notify passengers of wheelchair status, provide loaner devices if needed, and promptly repair or replace damaged equipment.
Universal Changing Stations
As part of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024, medium and large airports must include at least one universal changing station in passenger terminals. Signage about the location must also be posted. This ensures adults have a safe, sanitary space for personal care needs. Universal changing stations include a height-adjustable adult-sized changing table and privacy. In May 2024, Minnesota became the first state to mandate adult changing stations in all new public buildings.
Schaberg says, “Proactive facility owners already have this type of assistance equipment in their venues not because of regulation but because their own guest surveys and local advocacy groups make them aware of the need. Listening to the guest and acting on it is notable and noticeable.”
As more venues require or consider universal changing stations, Schaberg recommends thinking through the requirements early in the design process. “We have learned a universal adult changing station requires its own room. The equipment is about the size of a twin bed and requires privacy, turning space, and reasonable approach distances. If a designer is not practiced in this requirement, incorporating this room into a facility late in the design process can be challenging.”
International Building Code
The 2021 International Building Code, which has been adopted throughout the U.S. and adopted in modified form in other countries, includes accessibility updates developed by the International Code Council as the 2017 edition of the A117.1 Standard for Accessible and Useable Buildings and Facilities. These updates affect the size of rooms and spaces, especially restrooms and accessible paths.
The ADA Access Board conducted a survey on the anthropometry of wheeled mobility to include users of scooters and motorized wheelchairs. This study learned there are often large differences in the body, chair sizes, and functional abilities of manual chair, power chair, and scooter users, and men and women. After a consensus process, the result was to increase the wheelchair turning radius from 60 inches to 67 inches and the depth of clear floor space requirements from 48” to 52” for new construction.
A Win for Everyone
Implementing these new regulations and standards requires time and investment, but the benefits are far-reaching. Improved accessibility can encourage more people with disabilities to visit attractions. Keep in mind that disabilities can impact everyone—children and adults and can be temporary or permanent. Schaberg explains, “Many current standards focus on mobility and vision concerns. Physical disabilities are only one segment of the population of people with disabilities. Awareness of and education about other common disabilities is one step towards envisioning solutions to remove obstacles in the built environment.”
She continues, “Cognitive disabilities represent a significant segment of people with disabilities. This group includes conditions such as mood disorders, disorders of the nervous system and sensory organs caused by disease, intellectual disabilities, and mental health conditions. In addition to aging, these conditions make it difficult to live independently and care for oneself. As designers, we plan experiences that affect guests physically and emotionally with alternating moments of anticipation, surprise, drama, joy, and reflection. To help guests with certain cognitive conditions relax and focus, it is important to provide space for guests to absorb and retain the experience at their own pace. This can be a landscape area, a water feature, a seating area off the main path, a quiet room, or even a sensory room.”
More accessible spaces mean more visitors and, ultimately, more success for businesses and attractions.
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