When you have an old building and think about structural maintenance or there are plans for renovation, it is time to include accessibility improvements on the agenda. When improving accessibility, just act in a smart way so that you are sure that you spend your money wisely and you really make difference. We can determine different ways to improve accessibility. They are related to the type of problem that has to be solved, the costs and the speed at which solutions can be realised. We separate four measures: Adding missing elements quick adaptations of medium complex bottlenecks, structural adaptation based on a customised action plan, scenario for special events. The first measure is adding missing elements. This can be for example, using signage and information signs, painting walls in a certain colour or change the types of door handles to increase user comfort. These are items in finishing and decoration. You can integrate this action in standard maintenance. In this cultural center, they painted the walls in different colours. However, people still could not find their way. So, they decided to add signs. In addition to colours, they added easy-to-read text and information for wayfinding. Each theatre hall has a different colour and textual information. These signs are not only provided in the hallway and theatre entrance but also in the entrance area of each theatre hall. Quick adaptations of medium complex bottlenecks mostly refer to actions that need more money and time. Examples can be: creating a platform or a balcony so that you can offer space for wheelchair users, the installation of induction loops, adaptation of the welcome desk, the reorganisation of an accessible toilet and so on. And, do not forget the accessibility chain. Here, an accessible toilet is not well adapted to the user's needs. The handles are not in the right position, other elements are hanging or standing in the way. By reorganising these features and adding colour contrast, this room becomes a really accessible room. However, the waste bin should not be placed in the free space next to the toilet bowl. This makes a lateral transfer impossible. When there are more problems in the venue, it is important to incorporate more structural alternations. You gain more when you make substantial changes or a reorganisation. Since structural adaptations are more complex, you should always contact professionals and you should have the bigger picture in mind when you adapt your venue. This means that you have to plan the correct sequence of steps and take decisions beforehand to get a high-quality result. Making this Accessibility Action Plan guarantees quality and saves a lot of time and budget. It consists of five steps: First, start with a professional accessibility assessment or feasibility study that shows the complexity of the situation and provides measurements. Second, finding all bottlenecks and deciding whether they can be removed. This first step of the decision process results in a renovation plan. Which elements do we adapt and how? Can we tackle all issues? Third, after having identified all bottlenecks and we decided whether or how they can be removed, we have to check time and budget for architectural and technical adaptations. Do we have a budget or can we apply for funding? Fourth, if no modifications or renovations are planned in the future, actions can be taken step by step. Make a flowchart for the adaptations. A flowchart is not only a tool for planning but also for communication. Fifth, the last and most important aspect: If you have different phases, choose the right sequence. What is more important? What is a prerequisite for the next step? You should always make adaptations without jeopardising future actions. So you will save time and money. The scenario for special events is the last solution for improvement. It is a compromise because after having done an assessment and after having made all possible adaptations, the venue is still not accessible, and you cannot find any solutions. For example, you can work with a scenario for special venues, if it is technically impossible, if your environment is protected due to heritage reasons or a bigger renovation is not on the agenda. A scenario for special venues is a tailor-made checklist for your venue with actions to take when you organise an accessible event. You can, for example, hire temporary ramps or use alternative locations that are more accessible. Older environments mostly do not meet contemporary requirements. Look at what you have, analyse the situation and evaluate properly before you take decisions. Always check long-term actions and prepare a good action plan. Your goal is to close the accessibility chain.
