Create an event access plan

An access plan lets people know how to prepare for your event and how it is accessible.

What is an event access plan?

An access plan is a document or section on the event website that has detailed general and accessibility information about the event. Information such as the location of accessible routes, accessible restrooms, accessible viewing areas, and more are found in the access plan. An access plan addresses the following information.

Accessible maps

All information on maps and other images must be included in text above or below the map or image, so that people using screen reader software can access the information. Images should also include descriptive text. The maps you provide should identify:

  • The most accessible pathway to the main event entrance.

  • The accessible route from the event entrance to all event amenities and features such as the stage and activities.

  • Accessible restrooms.

  • Accessibility resources provided (ex. Where to find ear plugs, service animal relief/rest areas, wheelchair charging stations, shuttles, front of the line passes, and where to find staff for access information or assistance)

View an example of an accessible map  

View an example of a map with descriptive text 

Learn how to create descriptive text 

Accessible event transportation

  • San Francisco is a transit first city. It is important to say how to get to the event entrance from the closest public transportation stops.

  • Describe your plan for general, disability, and bike parking, and passenger loading zones.

  • If you are providing transportation at the event, it has to be accessible to people with disabilities. Include information about your event’s transportation plan for everyone. For example, are providing one shuttle for everyone or a separate shuttle for people with disabilities?

View an example of an entity providing information on how to take public transportation to their event 

Pets and service and support animals

Service and support animals must be permitted to go with their owners in all public spaces. Pets are not permitted in many areas. It is up to you to decide what your pets policy is and share that in your access plan. In SF, any animal can be a service or support animal, but they are required to follow service animal guidelines. If the animal is not following the guidelines, you can ask the owner to remove the animal. The owner is welcome to return to the event without the animal. Also include information about service and support animal rest and relief areas if they are provided. 

View service and support animal guidelines 

American Sign Language interpreters

Provide a statement like the one below to describe information about ASL interpreters at your event.

“American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available at the stage. If you need an interpreter at another area of the event, please come to the stage, or ask a staff person for assistance”

Event activity access

Say how you will make sure your event's activities and services to people with disabilities. Include information on the following topics:

  • Reserve Seating with clear viewing for wheelchair and ASL users and their companions. It must be near the front of the stage so that Deaf people can lip-read or view the ASL interpreter. 

  • Create a plan for how people with disabilities will be able to take part in event activities. For example, the use of a front-of-the-line pass for people that cannot stand for long periods of time.

  • If you are providing a stage or platform for the public, state that the stage is accessible and where it is located.

Accessibility information and assistance

Include where people with disabilities can find information or assistance during the event.

Accommodation requests example

“For accommodations requests, please contact (email and phone number). To make sure your request is completed, please submit a request at least 72 hours before the event.

You can use a longer time period than 72 hours, but remember that you must make a good faith effort to meet the request, even if it was made last minute.

Emergency Plan

Your emergency plan should include accessible emergency exit pathways and instructions for people with disabilities.

Last updated May 12, 2023