Under the Customer Service Standards of the AODA, service providers must make their goods, services, and facilities accessible to customers with disabilities. In our last article, we outlined features that make amusement parks accessible for guests with disabilities. In this article, we will cover best practices for accessible information in amusement parks.
Accessible Information in Amusement Parks
Accessible Websites
Guests can use accessible computers or phones to read websites that follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0. Therefore, amusement parks should ensure that their websites follow these guidelines. Moreover, they should post as much information as possible about their features, events, and services on their accessible websites. For instance, they should post:
- What accessible structural features they have, and where these features are located
- What attractions are accessible for guests using assistive devices
- Whether they have a system for guests who cannot wait in line to access attractions
- If on-site restaurants are accessible
- Whether they offer any equipment for guests to borrow, accessible-format information about the park, or communication supports for theatrical attractions
Accessible Formats
Parks should provide print information, like pamphlets or guides, in accessible formats. For instance:
- Braille
- Large print
- Online on accessible websites
- Accessible Word or html files
Staff should tell every guest about all the formats they have information available in. Parks can have a third party produce hard-copy Braille or large-print documents. For example, parks can provide Braille guides or tactile maps for guests to borrow during their visits. In addition, parks can produce versions of hard-copy text in accessible web formats.
Performances
Furthermore, amusement parks can also make theatrical events, such as movies or live performances, accessible. For instance, parks can offer:
- American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
- Closed or open captioning
- Live description
Moreover, park websites should explain how to access features, equipment, or services. For example:
- Which performances will be ASL interpreted, captioned, or described
- Where to pick up and return description headsets or closed-captioning mirrors
- Whether parks can arrange additional interpreted, captioned, or described performances for groups
Accessible information in amusement parks ensures that all guests have equal opportunities to access services. Our next article will discuss how amusement parks can provide an accessible service experience.