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When choosing an event venue, it's important to take into consideration the needs of all of your guests, including attendees with disabilities and/or limited mobility. Make sure to evaluate the venue as a whole. Though most of attendees' time will be spent in meeting rooms, don't overlook the venue entrance and lobby.

Remember the following:

•  Curbs should be ramped or low and marked with a bright color.

• At least one main entrance needs to be wide enough for a wheelchair and open automatically or by a push-button.

• Check for adequate lighting in the lobby, secured floor mats, and an easily-navigable floor space.

• Rooms not on the ground floor should be accessible by an elevator with sufficiently loud audio cues and buttons written in braille.

• Signs need to be large and in contrasting colors, which aids readability.

• Hallways need to be wide enough for wheelchairs and ramps, and stairs need solid handrails.

• For the hearing-impaired, the building should be equipped with visible fire alarms.

• When considering overnight guests, make sure the hotel has the required number of accessible rooms and ADA Compliance Kits. Even though all new hotels must abide by ADA regulations, it is not always required of historic or smaller hotels.

Scouting out a venue that meets these accessibility guidelines takes time and effort, but it's worth it to ensure that all your guests feel included and safe at your event.

For more tips and guidelines, visit the following useful resources:

• Americans with Disabilities Act
• University of Missouri ADA Event Guidelines
• ADA Lodging Specifications for the Visually Impaired
• University of Texas Arlington, Tips for Event Planning and Access (PDF)