We found our universal design checklist for observing the physical spaces for the toy store in Canal Park called Toys for Keeps at the website listed below.
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/Programs/equal_access_spaces.htmlPlanning, Policies, and Evaluation
Consider diversity issues as you plan and evaluate spaces.
1. Do you have policies and procedures that ensure access to facilities, printed materials, computers, and electronic resources for people with disabilities?
No
2. Is accessibility considered in the development process?
No
3. Do you have a procedure to ensure a timely response to requests for disability-related accommodations?
No
4. Are disability-related access issues addressed in your evaluation methods?
No
The building where Toys for Keeps is located is older, and was not designed to be handicap accessible.
Appearance
Make decisions that foster a campus climate that is inclusive of all students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
1. Are people with diverse characteristics, including various types of disabilities, included in the planning process?
No
2.Is the environment appealing and welcoming to those with a broad range of cultures, ages, abilities, and other characteristics?
Yes
Toys for Keeps sells many toys that reflect different cultures, ages, and abilities. For example, there are multicultural dolls, with several different skin colors.
Entrances and Routes of Travel
Make physical access welcoming and accessible to people with a variety of abilities, genders, and ages.
1. Are there convenient, wheelchair-accessible parking spaces and routes of travel to facilities and within facilities?
Yes
2. Are entryways sheltered?
Not outside the building.
3. Are outdoor lights with motion sensors installed near entrances?
No
4. Do sensors automatically open exterior doors?
No automatic doors
5. Are lever handles rather than knobs used for doors?
Yes
6. Are gently sloping walks integrated into the design rather than steps and ramps that segregate individuals with physical disabilities?
Yes
7. Are there are ample high-contrast, large-print directional signs to and throughout the physical space?
No
8. Are universally recognized icons used on signage?
No
9. Is adequate lighting available?
Yes
The ramp to enter the store is adequate, and there are wheelchair-accessible parking spaces nearby. However, the entryway is not sheltered and the doors do not open automatically.
Fixtures and Furniture
Provide fixtures and furniture that can be used by all employees, students, and visitors.
1. Are fixed or fold-down seats available in showers?
N/A
2. Are levers installed for sink handles?
Yes
3. Are mirrors, sinks, and towel dispensers located so they are usable by individuals with a wide range of body sizes from standing or seated positions?
No
4. On appliances and other equipment, are front-mounted, easy-to-operate controls with labels in large, high-contrast print used?
No
5. Do electrical outlets and light switches (with dimmers) allow access from standing or seated positions?
No
6. In classrooms, are furniture and fixtures adjustable in height and allow for flexible arrangements of different learning activities and student groupings?
Yes
There is only a bathroom available for employees, and it doesn’t have the recommended features.
Safety
Design spaces to minimize risk of injury.
1. Are nonslip walking surfaces used?
Yes
2. Have emergency systems been installed that incorporate audio and visual warnings?
No
3. Are aisles wide and clear of obstructions for the safety of users who have mobility or visual impairments?
No
There are several aisles in Toys for Keeps that are too narrow and cluttered for people with strollers, wheelchairs, etc to access them.
