Updated May 2024
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ACCESSIBILITY
SELF-ASSESSMENT
CHECKLIST
Updated April 2024 (5 pages)
The Illinois Arts Council has adopted this Checklist as an informal guide for applicant
organizations. This Checklist is neither a determination of your legal rights or responsibilities
under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, Section 504; nor
binding upon any agency with enforcement responsibility under the ADA.
For complete ADA regulations, standards and guidelines contact the U.S. Department of
Justice ADA Information hotline at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY) or visit the
Department of Justice ADA information website at www.ada.gov.
T
his checklist does not
replace the full Section 504 Self-Evaluation Workbook, which can be found here.
Illinois Arts Council
115 S. LaSalle St., Ste. 2202
Chicago, IL 60603-3804
Phone
(312) 814-6753
Fax
(312) 814-1471
TTY
(888) 261-7957
ADA 504/Accessibility Coordinator
Teresa Davis
Teresa.N.Davis@illinois.gov
Updated May 2024
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This self-assessment was designed to follow the beginning-to-end experience of accessing
an organization’s programs, facilities, and services. The process encourages the
organization to consider the pathway someone with a disability might take to access your
services and find the barriers.
Important reminders:
• There are many disabilities to consider when approaching accessibility. Some common
categories to consider are visual, hearing, mobility, sensory, and
intellectual/developmental. This is not an exhaustive list and people may identify with
more than one disability.
• When making accommodations, always ask the needs of the individual instead of
assuming what they need.
• You are required to ensure accessibility even if you do not own the venue or if it is a
historical space.
How to complete this form:
To the best of your ability, answer the chart below by checking YES, NO, or N/A
YES – Element exists.
NO – Element does not exist but should.
N/A – Element does not exist and is not needed (i.e., a single-level, ground-floor facility would
not need an elevator).
Once completed, this form should be kept on file and updated every three years in case of
audit by state or federal agency.
Updated May 2024
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ACCESSIBILITY
SELF-ASSESSMENT
CHECKLIST
Public Outreach
Do
public communications include:
YES
NO
N/A
Accessibility
information on the website that lists accessible programs and
services to patrons?
A
publicized procedure and timeline to request accommodations for people
with disabilities?
Appropriate
Accessibility symbols on signs and in print, digital and online
media?
More info on accessibility symbols.
Publicly
available notices of sensory experiences such as flashing lights, strong
smells, and
loud/surprising noises?
Arriving & Navigating
Does
the
Facility
provide:
YES
NO
N/A
Designated
accessible parking spaces with adjoining curb cuts, and an
accessible
route from parking to the venue entrance? More info on venue
accessibility.
At
least one route from site arrival points (parking, passenger loading zones,
public
sidewalks and public transportation stops) that does not require the use
of stairs?
Ground
-level entry, ramped access, and/or elevators to the venue?
Signage
at inaccessible entrances with directions to accessible entrances?
Handrails
on ramps and stairs?
Integrated
and dispersed wheelchair seating in assembly areas? More info on
accessible seating.
Wheelchair
-accessible display cases, exhibit areas, and/or counters?
Wheelchair
-accessible box office, stage, and dressing rooms?
Wheelchair
-accessible restrooms, including accessible sinks, water fountains,
and
soap & paper dispensers? More info on accessible restrooms.
Updated May 2024
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Wheelchair
-accessible toilet stall, including a 60” diameter or T-turn clear floor
space, free of the door swing?
More info on accessible toilet stalls.
Accessible
emergency exits and audio/visual emergency alarms?
Signs
designating permanent rooms and spaces, e.g. room numbers
and letters,
room names, and exit
signs with Braille and/or raised characters?
Meaningful Participation
Do
programs/events
provide:
YES
NO
N/A
Sign
language interpretation regularly or upon request? More info on sign
language
interpretation.
Scripts
and/or text of verbal presentations upon request? More info on scripts/
text of verbal presentations.
An
appropriate number of Assistive listening system devices? More info on
assistive listening systems.
Open
or Closed captioning of audio visuals upon request?
Audio
description of visual art, media, performances, or other presentations
upon request?
Print
materials in alternate formats, including Braille, digital, and large print?
Organization Accessibility
Does
organization
leadership
provide:
YES
NO
N/A
A designated staff member who is responsible for overseeing accessibility
and
Section
504/ADA compliance? More info on ADA coordinators.
A
stated policy or mission statement regarding accessibility?
An
Access Committee that includes people with various disabilities to advise
on access issues?
Updated May 2024
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Training
for staff and volunteers in accessibility procedures and best practices?
More info on accessibility training.
Designated
funds for accessibility accommodations?
A
review of an Accessibility Self-Evaluation form at least every 3 years?
Reasonable
accommodations for employees and volunteers and publicizes
non
-discrimination in hiring?
Additional
Resources:
• Illinois Arts Council Accessibility Page
• Service Animal and Emotional Support Animal resource
• A Planning Guide for Making Temporary Events Accessible to People with Disabilities
• NEA Cultural Administrator’s Guide to Accessibility General Resources and an ADA help hotline
• Cultural Access Collaborative
• National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Office for Accessibility
• In Chicago: Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
• Great Lakes ADA Center
• Kennedy Center’s annual Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) conference
• Smithsonian Accessibility Program
• People-First Language
• Inclusive Design
• Graphic Artist Guild Accessibility Symbols
• Staff training
• Illinois Department of Human Services' Division of Rehabilitation Services
• Access Living
• IL ABLE
Effective communication:
Provide different forms of communication, such as:
• Certified American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters
• Real-Time Captioning (CART)
• Captioning of videos /audio information
