Accessibility in Real Time

1. What kind of barrier is it?

Getting there

Parkingno accessible or van spaces, blocked access aisles, no curb ramp from the lotDrop-off or passenger loadingnowhere level or safe to get out of a vehicleSidewalk, path, or curb rampsbroken pavement, no curb cuts, obstacles, gravel, unshoveled snow or iceBus stop or transit accessstop unreachable by wheelchair, no announcements, no shelter access

Getting in

Entrance or stepssteps with no ramp, accessible entrance locked or around backRamp problemstoo steep, no handrails, no level landing, blockedDoorstoo heavy, no automatic opener, opener broken, doorway too narrow

Getting around inside

Aisles and circulationtoo narrow for a wheelchair or walker, blocked by displays or clutterElevator or liftnone where needed, out of service, buttons unreachable, no brailleStairsno handrails, no visual contrast on edges, only route is stairsSeating and tablesno wheelchair seating, fixed booths only, no companion seating

Facilities

Restroomstall too small, no grab bars, sink or dryer too high, accessible stall broken or used for storageCounter or checkoutcounter too high, no lowered section, card reader unreachableFitting room or exam roomtoo small, no bench, no grab bars, equipment not adjustable

Information and communication

Signs and wayfindingno braille or raised letters, low contrast, missing or confusingHearing accessno interpreter, no captioning, no hearing loop, staff won't write things downVision accessno large-print or braille menus, poor lighting, no audible signalsWebsite, app, or kioskcan't be used with a screen reader or keyboard, online-only services with no alternative

People and policies

Service animal refusedturned away or challenged beyond the two questions the law allowsStaff or policy problemrefused a reasonable accommodation, no assistance policy, told to come back with helpSensory environmentoverwhelming noise, flashing or harsh lighting, no quieter optionTemporary blockageconstruction, displays, or parked items blocking the accessible route

Something else

Describe it in your own words

What’s there, and what does it stop you (or someone else) from doing?

2. Where is it?

Search for the address or place

Search is optional — you can also just describe the place in your letter.

3. Who should hear about it?

Both optional — a letter “to whom it may concern” still counts.

Business or organization

Their email, if you know it

4. Add it to SPARC’s list

Send this report to SPARC’s Agents of Change team — self-advocates who document barriers and write to the people responsible. Your contact details are optional and only used to follow up.

Your name (optional)

Your email (optional)

Your report appears right away on the public community board — your name and email are never shown, only the barrier itself.

Describe the barrier in step 1 first.

5. Or write the letter yourself

How should it sound?

ConstructiveFirm