AV Accessibility and Inclusive Design
Our work across classrooms, museums, civic spaces, and performing arts venues shows us time and again that when action is taken to provide greater access to specific communities, everyone benefits.
For even the most well-intentioned organizations, concerns of accessibility compliance can be as challenging as they are nuanced. Meeting minimal standards for ADA compliance may be a financial choice in design but often does little to foster accessibility for a broad range of needs and just as often discourages potentially-affected users from participation.
We don’t have all the answers—no one does. But time and again we’re the ones with the right questions at the table. We participate in the Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) conference, we work with communities with firsthand experience of how spaces are (and are not) truly accessible, and we understand what blind spots exist and what accommodations to fight for depending on the space and situation. We can advise when it matters to go above and beyond minimal code requirements.
Our team offers presentations center on practical, human-centered approaches to accessibility and inclusive design, particularly:
Modern technology accessibility needs in existing and new cultural venues
Bridging architecture and inclusive design in legacy spaces
Adaptive reuse and accessibility integration
Universal design principles for performing arts and museum environments
Contact Maddie Daily, Principal, mdaily@threshold.lcc for more information
We’re aware of issues of cultural identity that come with accessibility: for instance, while the Deaf and Hard of Hearing may be able to consume content with captioning, American Sign Language is a nuanced and uniquely expressive language itself that is distinct from English and other spoken or written languages, and for much of the community it is a centerpiece of cultural identity. Acknowledging that truth and providing more meaningful ASL interpretation invites a stronger connection with the community and fosters greater inclusion.
We design to provide meaningful access to information for everyone. This goal can be achieved through, for example, tactile keypads that provide access to those with visual impairments or limited mobility, assistive listening systems for those who may be Deaf or Hard of Hearing, or purpose-built calming rooms for those with other sensory needs.
Accessibility design requires bespoke considerations attuned to the needs of different communities. In all of our projects we strive to understand what is unique and important to the Client, identify the acoustic attributes and technical capabilities of each space that derive from those prompts, and then pursue and defend those design elements with vigor and optimism through the duration of design and construction.
Accessibility leads to greater community engagement. It’s an uncontroversial statement to many, but it doesn’t always translate into practical actions. We acknowledge that there are, inherently, barriers to access in the world in which we live. This condition is a large, systemic issue but one we’re willing to face. Our goal is always to dismantle those barriers in order to provide thoughtful, welcoming spaces where every message is heard. If we are part of the design team, we’re advocating for accessibility use.