Summer is when all the outdoor events, barbecues, community events, outdoor dining, family get-togethers, and other summer gatherings pick up. Many of these gatherings take place outside and are set up quickly, which can unintentionally exclude people.
Accessibility is about more than just one’s ability to enter a space. It’s also about whether they can fully engage in the event once they’re there. When setting up an outdoor summer gathering space, there are a few things you can do to make the event a space where everyone can participate.
Use Inclusive Seating
When setting up a summer gathering space, seating is one of the most important parts of making it inclusive. Seating arrangements directly affect whether people can fully participate in a summer gathering.
A common issue with traditional summer gathering space setups is that wheelchair users or other guests with mobility needs end up on the outside of the group or at a completely different table. Inclusive seating should allow for someone to pull up to whatever spot they want to sit at, keep everyone at the same height and eye level, and avoid creating separate seating areas.
In addition to making space at the table for wheelchair users, ensure that there’s enough leg and knee clearance beneath the table. Also, ensure that tables are spaced out enough to avoid tight chair spacing that blocks access to the table.
Keep in mind that not everyone has the same needs, so variety and flexibility help. Things like open table space for wheelchairs and adjustable or movable seating when and where possible. Seating arrangements have a great impact on one’s social experience. When it’s done right, everyone can engage equally, and the space feels welcoming without drawing attention to accessibility.
Keep Pathways Open
Narrow, hard-to-navigate pathways are what make a space feel inaccessible and difficult to move through for wheelchair users. Even if you have accessible seating, a cluttered or tight layout can make it nearly impossible for wheelchair users to actually reach it.
A good rule of thumb when setting up a summer gathering space is to aim for at least three feet of space for main walkways. In addition to the three feet, it’s also good to leave some extra room in higher-traffic areas.
Creating a clear layout can make a world of difference for wheelchair users. A good layout connects entrances, seating, and food areas naturally, keeps main paths clean and unobstructed, and avoids having to weave through tightly packed furniture.
Though things like cords, decor, or signage in walkways don’t seem like a big barrier to you, they are to wheelchair users. It’s vital to remove those items in addition to bags, coolers, or other personal items left on the ground.
When an effort is made to make wide, clear pathways, it allows everyone access to the same areas and experiences. This makes the space feel more relaxed and welcoming for wheelchair users.
Choose Stable Surfaces
When summer gathering spaces are outside, the ground plays a huge role in accessibility. Even the best seating and layout arrangements won’t matter if wheelchair users can’t safely and easily move around to get there.
Surfaces like grass, gravel, sand, or uneven pavement make it difficult for those who use wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or just have limited mobility to get around. When wheelchair users and others with limited mobility have to navigate unstable surfaces, there’s a higher risk of tripping or tipping, and wheelchairs can get stuck or sink.
When planning a summer gathering, try to ensure that the surface is firm, level, and smooth. Some of the best accessible options for outdoor gatherings are concrete or paved patios, a wooden deck, or even temporary event flooring and mats.
When a summer gathering space includes stable surfaces, it makes it possible for wheelchair users to move independently, feel safe and confident navigating the space, and enjoy the gathering.
Why Choose Us?
Sometimes it can be difficult to make sure every type of wheelchair can be accommodated at an informal outdoor gathering. This is the very problem the Inclusion Table fixes. The Inclusion Table has the ability to accommodate every wheelchair user at a single table. With sections that have the ability to move up and down, in and out, no one has to feel excluded in a summer gathering space. Contact us to learn more about the Inclusion Table or to order one today.
