CAARE Toolkit - Outdoor Events
Planning a community picnic, arts festival or a rodeo? Here are some things you should consider as you plan your outdoor event.
Outdoor Event Considerations
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Not only is accessible parking necessary for people with disabilities, having a clearly marked passenger drop-off area and clear pathways to entrances makes it easier for older people and for people with small children in strollers to get into your event.
Accessibility considerations table Accessibility considerations:
Link to more information:
Enough accessible parking
Accessible parking is clearly marked
Passenger drop-off area near accessible entrance
Level and unobstructed pathways from parking area to entrance
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Everyone needs to have a restroom they can easily access and use. Make sure bathrooms have clear signs, and are easy to get to.
Accessibility suggestions table Accessibility considerations:
Link to more information:
Accessible bathrooms onsite
Clear signage for accessible bathrooms
Path to bathroom unobstructed and wheelchair accessible
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Accessible walkways benefit everyone, not just people with disabilities. Parents with strollers or small children, older adults, people carrying bags or transporting equipment, and other groups will also appreciate having safe and unblocked walkways.
Accessibility considerations table Accessibility considerations:
Link to more information:
Clear and unobstructed pathways to all activities and services
Handrails on each side of all stairs
Ramps at all steps or uneven surfaces
In places with no curb cuts, ramps are present
Challenging surfaces have accessible pathway across them
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sand
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loose dirt
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grass
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gravel
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Some people who use service animals also use mobility equipment, such as a wheelchair or scooter. Make sure service animal areas are also accessible for mobility equipment users.
Accessibility considerations table Accessibility considerations:
Link to more information:
Accessible toileting area
Water bowls
Adequate space in sitting areas for service animals
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Even if the mayor thinks they can yell loud enough that everyone in the stands can hear them, they should still use a microphone. Especially at outdoor events, there is always competing background noise. Using properly adjusted microphones allows everyone at the event to hear what the speaker has to say. (And besides, no one likes yelling anyway).
Accessibility considerations table Accessibility considerations:
Links to more information:
All video presentations have closed captioning
Interpreters for any needed language, including ASL, available for all activities
All media and materials are in accessible formats
Hearing assistance technology is available
Microphones for audience during Q&A sessions
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Make sure everyone has a comfortable place to sit where they can still participate in the event if they choose. Make sure vendor booths are at a height that people using wheelchairs or other mobility equipment can easily view and reach the booth.
Accessibility considerations table Accessibility considerations: Links to more information: Clear and accessible signs leading to tables, displays, and presentations Accessible seating set up in a way that is inclusive Front row seating for people with vision and hearing impairments ASL interpreters are visible to all attendees Tables are at the appropriate height and have enough space for people using wheelchairs and scooters Materials and/or food are at a height accessible for people using wheelchairs or scooters -
It’s all about the food! Sharing meals together is an important part of many community events. It’s important to make sure that everyone is included at the table- and that they can get to the table.
Accessibility considerations table Accessibility considerations:
Links to more information:
Chairs with arms available
Specialty diets and food sensitivities are accommodated
Labels and allergy warnings are clear and obvious
Food that can be eaten without utensils is available
Seating is separate from the food serving area and able to be rearranged