As event planning becomes more inclusive, broad accessibility within an event venue is no longer optional – it’s essential. With a growing number of guests needing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant features, choosing a venue that prioritizes accessibility ensures your event meets the needs of all your guests. This blog explores what to look for in truly accessible event venues and how Monona Terrace retains its timeless Frank Lloyd Wright design while offering unmatched access and inclusivity for all guests.
Why Accessibility Matters
Accessibility matters most because it’s a legal requirement under the ADA to provide inclusivity for an ever-growing segment of our population. But it’s also the right thing to do 1) if your event wants to demonstrate a commitment to disabled individuals, and 2) you want your event to be welcoming and fairly represented. As you plan ahead, consider the potential range of guests that needs an ADA-compliant venue, such as:
- Increasing older population: The number of Americans 65 years of age and older is projected to increase from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050 (PRB.org).
- Increasing number of people who identify as disabled: One in four Americans has some kind of legally identified disability. This includes cognitive and sensory needs (hearing, vision, noise aversion).
- Increase in legal scrutiny: Legal ramifications for ADA compliance are increasing for both physical updates (ramps, doors, etc.) but also for the accessibility of a venue’s digital components.
Yes, event space accessibility matters, and accommodations by your chosen venue could make or break your event. Here are some other things to think about in regard to ADA compliance.
Importance of inclusive event planning
For most modern event venues, “inclusivity” is simply the desire to include everyone, regardless of any disability and providing the infrastructure to support their needs. For your and your event, inclusivity may have deeper implications that include ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all and that everyone can fully participate and benefit from the event as much as any other guest. Having a diverse planning committee with a variety of perspectives and experiences can help bring inclusiveness to your event.
Legal and ethical considerations (ADA compliance)
A venue’s legal obligation for ADA compliance begins with physical requirements, such as:
- Dispersed wheelchair seating with companion seating
- Spacious restrooms with wide doors, grab bars, and accessible sink heights
- Accessible routes to key areas in the venue (parking, restrooms, concessions, entries/exits, etc.), such as connected pathways, entrances, and ramps.
- Signage with symbols to assist in guiding to facilities and key venue areas
- Sensory friendly with lighting that is conducive to people with visual impairments (no flashing or excessively bright, direct lighting)
- Digital compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (BCAG) for screen readers and keyboards.
With venues that charge for entry, they must provide a proportionally appropriate number of accessible seats in accessible locations for the same price.
Not all of these accommodations are required by law and are often determined by a venue’s ability to reasonably be compliant.
Overview of modern expectations
Expectations of disability compliance have broadened in recent years, as awareness of disabilities has increased. The above-mentioned accommodations are must-have’s, but depending on the type of event and the programming (speakers, entertainment, booths/vendors, etc.), your chosen venue might provide:
- Assistive listening devices or links
- Quiet rooms
- Clear policies for service animals
- Large print and Braille collateral and signage
- If appropriate, ASL interpretation or similar communication options
- Sensitivity training for staff
Often, it’s up to the venue’s ability and willingness to provide as much as possible for disabled guests. To learn more about Monona Terrace’s ADA-compliant accommodations, please Contact Us.
Monona Terrace: A model for inclusive event planning
From its earliest conception by Frank Lloyd Write, Monona Terrace was intentionally designed to be a public space for the “Community.” Just as the building organically merges the building with the lake, so was it intended to seamlessly accommodate everyone. Here are some of our accessibility features.
Parking and Drop-Off Access
Monona Terrace provides designated accessible parking stalls located on the lower level of the parking structure in front of the Level Three entrance. Curb cuts for wheelchairs are located close to accessible parking.
General parking for Monona Terrace is located on Levels Three, Four, and Five. Easy curb cuts provide entry from all three levels. Also, we provide accessible parking meters by the Drive-through/drop-off lanes for ease of mobility.
Building Entry and Wheelchair Navigation
There are power-assisted doors at all entrances of Monona Terrace, all wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Free wheelchairs are available at the information booth on Level Four on a first-come, first-serve basis.
You can access almost everywhere in Monona Terrace by wheelchair, and we can set up our rooms to be mobility-friendly, accommodating wheelchairs and other disabilities, at your convenience. Pathways are clearly marked, so it’s always easy to navigate throughout our various spaces.
Interior Accessibility Features
Monona Terrace is replete with accessibility features. All levels are accessible by both elevator and escalator. We even have an exterior bicycle elevator located on the east end of the building, so you can ride from the bike path on Olin Terrace (street level – Level Five).
Our vast convention center has over 250,000 square feet of space, and it is all accessible via wide hallways and ramps. We also provide accessible room layouts from our Grand Terrace and Madison Ballroom to smaller gathering spaces like the Dane Room and Wisconsin Room. Our Lecture Hall accommodates more than 300 with areas for wheelchairs.
Audio & Visual Accessibility
Monona Terrace is also focused on sensory accessibility and continues to lead the way to assist those with sensory disabilities. We provide Braille and large-print signage throughout the entire space. And we provide assistive listening devices in most spaces, including the Madison Ballroom, Lecture Hall, and all meeting rooms.
Inclusive Restrooms and Amenities
Monona Terrace is committed to inclusiveness. We provide wheelchair-accessible restrooms on Levels One, Two, and Four. Our rooftop level also has accessible bathrooms on the east and west ends. Gender-inclusive and family-friendly restroom options are available at all locations.
Monona Terrace also provides accessible water fountains near the restrooms in the east and west corridors on Levels Two and Four, in the Exhibition Hall, and on both ends of Level Six (the rooftop). Vending machines and ATMs are located on the west end of Levels Two and Four for anyone who needs a cold drink option or cash.
Service Animal Support
Monona Terrace welcomes service animals and follows all ADA guidelines regarding aid companions. We provide ADA-compliant support for trained service animals with proper supervision. Guidelines and expectations for event organizers includes that service companions are under control of its handler at all times, housebroken, and handlers/event organizers are responsible for any damage or injury caused by a service companion.
Choose a Venue That Supports Everyone
Monona Terrace continues to provide elite accessibility, well above and beyond what is required by law. Our staff is committed to making Monona Terrace accessible for everyone. At every level of our hospitality, our staff is Trained staff to assist with accessibility needs. We believe whole-heartedly that our amazing space should be easily shared and enjoyed by everyone, period.
We also know that we may not be the right spot for your event! Just be sure wherever you choose to host your event that you make sure it adheres to your checklist for accessibility features. Make sure it’s a wheelchair accessible event space with accessible parking, restrooms, and that everyone can move about the space easily. We also recommend doing all you can as a planner to be mindful of sensory disabilities, which may not be obvious. Inclusivity is at your discretion, but we encourage openness and acceptance at every event. To learn more about Monona Terrace’s ADA compliance, check out our Accessibility Guide.