Accessibility Best Practices
Allegheny County is committed to promoting inclusivity and accessibility to county programs, services, and activities by providing resources and information to address gaps in public knowledge and planning when it comes to accessibility and individuals with disabilities.
G.A.P.S. consist of accessibility factors such as General Etiquette, Animals, People, and Spaces that should be integrated with all county facilities, activities, and programs and services to ensure employees, residents, and visitors have equal access to Allegheny County.
General Etiquette
People with disabilities often experience increased attitudinal, communication, physical, policy, programmatic, social, and transportation barriers and biases. It’s essential to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable to request accommodations as needed.
Accommodations are not "One Size Fits All"
Accommodations come in many forms, so it's crucial to be open and flexible to requests to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all.
Avoid Assumptions
Disabilities aren’t always obvious, and the majority of the community lives with non-apparent disabilities.
Effective Communication
Closed captions and interpreters are available for in-person or virtual public meetings, programs and events, video content, and audio recordings.
No Cost to the Individual
Allegheny County does not charge a fee or higher rate for individuals requesting accommodations.
Resource Planning
Budgets and activities should include accessibility initiatives and projects that remove barriers for individuals with disabilities and promote inclusion.
Website Accessibility
Websites and/or mobile app content must meet a minimum of WCAG 2.1 requirements.
Animals
Service animals are working animals that are individually trained to do work or perform specific tasks for people with disabilities. A service animal must be under the control of its handler, whether via leash or tether, or voice or other effective control signaling, and often wears a visible vest or harness to indicate that the animal is service-bound.
Service Animals are not Pets
While most people are used to interacting with pets in public, it is important to remember to not touch, attempt to play with, or otherwise distract service animals. This ensures their ability to assist their handlers effectively and promotes a safe, respectful environment for everyone.
Service Animals are not the Same as Emotional Support Animals
Service animals are permitted to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of a facility where the public is allowed to go. Emotional support or therapy animals are not service-bound working animals that are protected by the ADA, and therefore are subject to facility-specific regulations.
People
At its core, it's crucial to recognize people as people and professionals first, not as only their disability.
Ask Before Helping
Always ask before offering assistance, and be respectful of their answer, whether or not they accept or decline the offer.
Person-First Language
This emphasizes the person before the disability, such as "an individual with a disability" instead of "disabled person".
Speak Directly to the Person With a Disability
Communicate with the individual, not their interpreter or companion. Acknowledging their presence promotes natural flow of conversation.
Spaces
Public entities must make programs, services, facilities, and activities accessible to people with disabilities in the most integrated way appropriate to their needs.
Provide Accessible Spaces
Be mindful of accessibility in physical spaces. Make sure entrances, restrooms, and other facilities are accessible for all. If a facility is inaccessible, consider moving the program into an accessible location or add modifications to the facility, or ensure that the level of accessibility is communicated ahead of time to participants.
Strategies for Emergency Planning
Emergency plans, such as evacuation mapping, must include alternatives for individuals with disabilities.