Designing Accessible AgriTourism -- Welcoming Visitors of All Abilities
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Date
2018-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ohio State University. Office of Outreach and Engagement
Abstract
As AgriTourism grows in popularity, it is important to ensure that AgriTourism sites are welcoming and accessible to individuals of all abilities. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not specify guidelines for AgriTourism sites, it does set specifications and requirements for access to spaces and events that are open to the public, and these principles apply to AgriTourism sites. The interpretation and application of ADA requirements is not always easy, and may be misunderstood by the AgriTourism operator and the visitor. This poster will use a common-sense approach to apply ADA requirements and universal design principles to AgriTourism sites, offer a list of best practices for accessibility, alternatives when full access is not possible, and illustrate why AgriTourism sites need to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Description
As agritourism grows in popularity, it is important to ensure that agritourism sites are welcoming and accessible to individuals of all abilities. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not specify guidelines for agritourism sites, it does set specifications and requirements for access to spaces and events that are open to the public, and these principles apply to agritourism sites. The interpretation and application of ADA requirements is not always easy, and may be misunderstood by the agritourism operator, and the visitor. This poster will use a common-sense approach to apply ADA requirements and universal design principles to agritourism sites, offer a list of best practices for accessibility, and alternatives when full access is not possible. As our society ages, the number of people with disabilities, or limited mobility increases, and (ideally) they remain very active in their community. By creating an accessible environment, agritourism sites can engage and welcome visitors of all ages and abilities to their sites; this allows everyone to participate in the activities and fully engage in the agritourism experience. Even if the site is not fully accessible, there may be solutions for the visitors to access and participate in the activities. By applying universal design principles to agritourism sites, the site can be safer and more accessible for everyone, with or without a disability. This poster will address: marketing and promotional materials – how to make them accessible, how to ask for accommodation requests, handling accommodation requests (what is reasonable, what is not) and how to find solutions for access to "inaccessible" spaces; parking, walkways and access to fields and outdoor terrain; accessible restrooms; inclusive options for inaccessible spaces; best practices for accommodating people with disabilities; suggestions for creating accessibility within specific agritourism venues. Presenters will review best practices and solutions, highlight specific accessibility scenarios, and illustrate why agritourism sites need to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Laura Akgerman, Ohio Agrability Disability Services Coordinator, The Ohio State University Extension, akgerman.4@osu.edu (Corresponding Author); Dee Jepsen, Extension State Specialist, Agricultural Safety and Health, The Ohio State University Extension; L. Scott Lissner, ADA Coordinator, The Ohio State University.
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Laura Akgerman, Ohio Agrability Disability Services Coordinator, The Ohio State University Extension, akgerman.4@osu.edu (Corresponding Author); Dee Jepsen, Extension State Specialist, Agricultural Safety and Health, The Ohio State University Extension; L. Scott Lissner, ADA Coordinator, The Ohio State University.
Keywords
agritourism, Universal Design, accessibility, diversity and inclusion, community events
Citation
Engaged Scholars, v. 6 (2018).