Local Accessibility Information in Phoenix
Airport
Accessibility Resources for the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix Convention Center is committed to ensuring that its facilities, services and activities are readily accessible and useable by qualified persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Every effort will be made to make reasonable accommodations to ensure full participation of everyone.
General Assembly will be housed in the North Building, which is accessible from the Third Street level with door openers on nearly every entrance. The plenary and exhibit halls will be on the third level of the North building, accessible by central escalators. Elevators are standard size and could fit two scooters with experienced drivers, but practically, one should go at a time. There are two elevators in the North building and two more in the lobby of the West building, which connects to the North via an indoor bridge.
One potential barrier is the heavy glass restroom doors, but convention center staff say they can keep them open. There are many family/assist restrooms in this convention center, which will also be designated as gender-neutral. Many bathrooms have a separate fully accessible stall with a bench.
While there are many quiet spaces throughout the three levels of the convention center, with lots of cushioned chairs and benches, plans are underway to designate a respite room for people seeking rest and a quiet space.
There is one “behind the house” first aid station by the loading docks behind the Exhibit Hall; there will be an EMT on duty in the case of emergencies in the convention center.
Streets and Sidewalks
Rubber curb cuts are centered to the round of the intersection. Chirping crossing signals are in area closest to Light Rail, including a talking signal button which says “Wait” if traffic is moving. Once away from immediate area of Light Rail, and in the convention center area, the signals are not chirping. On most cases, streets are four lanes (two lanes in each direction) and blocks in the downtown area are short.
Sidewalks are flat but not always straight; many have gravel or grass on either side and others have cut outs around trees making edges that could pose a problem if a wheel goes over.
Downtown Ambassadors are a fleet of orange-shirted volunteers whose job it is to assist anyone needing directions/assistance, or as we encountered – sharing an umbrella in the rain.
Public Transportation
METRO’s system is fully accessible and incorporates the recommendations of a local Accessibility Advisory Committee. The system meets or exceeds all standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. METRO accessibility information.
- ADA-compliant station entry ramps and two-foot-wide textured warning strips mark the boundaries between the sidewalk and the street, the street and station entrances, and the edges of the station platforms.
- Vehicle entrances are at the same level as the station platform, providing nostep boarding. METRO vehicles use a hydraulic leveling feature to ensure that there are no vertical gaps between the vehicle and the station platform. The horizontal gap between vehicle and platform is approximately 2.5 inches.
- Four areas for wheelchairs in each vehicle and wide aisles accommodate wheelchairs. Wheelchairs do not need tie-downs on METRO vehicles because he braking action is computer-controlled and smooth, even during emergency braking, and there is minimal lateral movement.
- Emergency call boxes at each station and at park-and-rides. Calls are answered by a METRO dispatcher.
- Spoken and visual announcements at stations and inside trains.
- Braille and spoken instructions on fare vending machines, and Braille signs at stations.
- Warning bells when the train begins movement.
Dial-a-Ride is part of Phoenix’ public transportation for people with disabilities unable to take bus or light rail. Cost is $3.50 one way and reservations are required (no same day service).
Private Transportation
Wheelchair accessible taxicabs
Service Dogs
It is likely to be more than 100 degrees in late June and with that heat comes the needs to protect service dogs’ paws from extremely hot sidewalks. All dogs are encouraged to wear protective paw-wear and should practice wearing boots prior to coming to Phoenix.
For more information contact generalassembly@uua.org.
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Last updated on Friday, January 13, 2012.
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