Better Backstages: Accessibility Toolkit For Music and Arts Spaces

Section 1: The Built Environment

1A: Your Audit Companion Guide

Section 1B The Built Environment Audit Tool helps assess the physical accessibility of a venue. This Companion Guide works alongside it, providing context, examples, and practical advice to support each question.
As you move through the audit, use the companion guide to understand why each question matters and what to look for. The guide explains details like measurements, best practices, and solutions to common barriers.
For example, if the audit asks whether there is accessible parking, the companion guide explains what that means. This helps you assess the space accurately and identify what needs to change. You may also refer to this glossary of terms to support the audit process.

Tools You Will Need

  1. A tape measure for measuring physical spaces like doorways, counters, and pathways.
  2. A decibel meter to assess noise levels can help identify problematic areas where a quieter space is preferred. [ iOS ] [ Android ]
  3. A light meter (lux meter) can help you measure lighting conditions where visibility is important, like an evacuation map. [ iOS ] [ Android ]
  4. A Clinometer and bubble level to measure the angle or steepness of a slope, ramp, or surface in relation to the ground. [ iOS ] [ Android ]
  5. A suitcase scale for measuring the amount of force it takes to open doors.
  6. A clipboard and pen for taking detailed notes as you move through the space, documenting observations and measurements.
  7. A camera or smartphone to capture photos of both barriers and accessibility wins for documentation and reference.
  8. Accessibility Audit Checklist. A structured checklist of all key areas to be reviewed.

Documenting Your Findings

  1. Measurements: Use consistent methods when measuring, like recording door widths at their narrowest point.
  2. Notes: Keep a log of your findings, linking measurements and photos to specific areas of your space.
  3. Photos: Take photo documentation of barriers or accessible features during an audit. This helps to keep track of barriers or accessible features you discover, and it becomes easier to identify the areas assessed and reference measurements later.
    • Start with establishing shots by taking several wide-angled photos of the room you will be assessing. (see Figure 1)
    • Take an establishing photo that demonstrates the specific feature being measured, like the threshold of a doorway. (see Figure 2)
    • Show the tape measure in place in the next photo, so that it is clear what part is being measured. (see Figure 3)
    • Take a close-up photo of the measurement on the tape to capture the exact dimensions. (see Figure 4)

How to Take Photos of Your Audit

Figure 1: Wide angle establishing shot.
Figure 2: Closeup of the retractable staircase, establishing the feature to be assessed.
Figure 3: A closeup of the tape measurer against the stair riser, establishing it as the feature to be assessed.
Figure 4: A closeup of the measurement of the stair riser showing 6.5 inches.

The Audit Tool

​1B: The Built Environment Audit Tool

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information to help music venues understand accessibility in the built environment. It is not a substitute for professional advice or a comprehensive assessment.

The suggestions are for reference only, and any structural changes should be made with input from qualified professionals. The audit is based on best practices from the CSA/ASC B651:23 - National Standard of Canada: Accessible Design for the Built Environment, which go beyond the minimum requirements of building codes. 

This document may be shared for informational purposes with credit given to the author. Content must remain unaltered and cannot be used for profit.
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