FRC: Access
Make your FRC accessible by creating a facility that is comfortable for people with
disabilities and that celebrates diversity. Accessibility of your FRC is important to the success of your programs.
Operating hours
Being open evenings, nights, early morning hours, weekends, and holidays maximizes accessibility for parents with a variety of employment and/or education schedules.
Transportation
Safe, reliable, public transportation increases access to your FRC for family members who do not have cars or do not drive and cannot walk to the center.
Parking
For families that do drive, secure, free, day and evening parking, including handicap parking is helpful.
Disabilities
Wheelchair accessible entrances, hallways, and bathrooms not only convey the message that your center welcomes everybody, but they are legally required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The ADA sets accessibility guidelines for nonprofit organizations and private businesses. These regulations, stipulated in state and local building codes, include but are not limited to:
- Installing ramps
- Making curb cuts in sidewalks and entrances
- Adding raised markings on elevator control buttons
- Installing flashing alarm lights
- Widening doors to accommodate wheelchairs
- Eliminating turnstiles or providing alternative access
- Providing accessible restroom facilities
- Creating designated accessible parking spaces
- Repositioning shelving
- Removing high-pile, low-density carpets
(Adapted from ADA Title III Regulations, Sec36.304)
Helpful Links
National Dissemination Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
www.nichcy.org
This is the website for NICHCY, which is an information and referral center for all disabilities and disability related issues. NICHCY's focus is on youth from birth to age 22. Many publications and fact sheets are downloadable from the site (specific disabilities, resources for adults, parenting a child with special needs, etc.). Information is provided in English and Spanish. You can also Email nichcy@aed.org or call 1-800-695-0285 with specific questions.
The Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (Pacific DBTAC)
www.pacdbtac.org
Site for one of ten federally-funded regional resource centers on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Organization provides free publications on accessibility guidelines, recreation, employment, checklists for existing facilities, and technical assistance manuals. Materials are available in a variety of formats and most are also downloadable. Many are available in Spanish. Videos are also available to borrow. You can also call 1-800-949-4232 with specific questions and to order the loan of a video.
