accessibility
Is Your Booth ADA Compliant?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 requires exhibitors to provide equal access to their trade show booths for individuals with disabilities, including physical, visual, and hearing impairments. Here are eight ways exhibitors can make their stands not only compliant with the ADA, but also more welcoming beyond what the law demands. By Charles Pappas
① Double-Deck Structures
Exhibitors with double-deck structures must install an elevator in their booth or offer the same features on both levels.
② Height of Exhibit Elements
Interactive elements should be positioned at heights between 15 and 48 inches above the finished floor.
③ Handrails
Handrails must be included on both sides of a ramp and be between 34 and 38 inches above walking surfaces and stair nosings.
④ Raised Floors
If your exhibit has a raised floor, it must include ramps that are 12 inches long for every inch of the raised floor's height. Ramps must also be at least 3 feet wide.
⑤ Aisles
Maintain at least 36 inches of free space between displays and fixtures. All booth corners must have a 3-foot-square area where anyone using a mobility device can make a 90-degree turn. If booth size makes this impossible, then staff must be available to help guests.
⑥ Booth Carpeting
ADA regulations state that carpet or carpet tiles must be securely attached to the floor, with a maximum pile thickness of no more than half an inch.
⑦ Tables and Counters
If you're using bar-height surfaces, add one or two 30-inch-high tables to accommodate a wheelchair or scooter.
⑧ In-Booth Theaters
If your exhibit includes a theater-style presentation area, set aside a space with no seating at the ends of the front row to accommodate those using mobility devices. Reserve a portion of the theater's front-row seating for anyone with a visual impairment. Include closed captions in your video presentations for those with hearing difficulties. For live presentations, offer printed transcripts or closed-captioned recordings of the performance.
Exhibitors with double-deck structures must install an elevator in their booth or offer the same features on both levels.
② Height of Exhibit Elements
Interactive elements should be positioned at heights between 15 and 48 inches above the finished floor.
③ Handrails
Handrails must be included on both sides of a ramp and be between 34 and 38 inches above walking surfaces and stair nosings.
④ Raised Floors
If your exhibit has a raised floor, it must include ramps that are 12 inches long for every inch of the raised floor's height. Ramps must also be at least 3 feet wide.
⑤ Aisles
Maintain at least 36 inches of free space between displays and fixtures. All booth corners must have a 3-foot-square area where anyone using a mobility device can make a 90-degree turn. If booth size makes this impossible, then staff must be available to help guests.
⑥ Booth Carpeting
ADA regulations state that carpet or carpet tiles must be securely attached to the floor, with a maximum pile thickness of no more than half an inch.
⑦ Tables and Counters
If you're using bar-height surfaces, add one or two 30-inch-high tables to accommodate a wheelchair or scooter.
⑧ In-Booth Theaters
If your exhibit includes a theater-style presentation area, set aside a space with no seating at the ends of the front row to accommodate those using mobility devices. Reserve a portion of the theater's front-row seating for anyone with a visual impairment. Include closed captions in your video presentations for those with hearing difficulties. For live presentations, offer printed transcripts or closed-captioned recordings of the performance.
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