3.0 Interior Circulation: Round and Round

Interior circulation is how people move around inside a venue. This section looks at how easy it is for everyone to get to different areas, including those who use wheelchairs or have difficulty getting around.

Signage and wayfinding help everyone access spaces like the stage, restrooms, or green room:

• Signage means putting up signs to show people where to go.
• Wayfinding makes sure the layout of the venue makes sense, so people don’t
  get lost.

Staircases should be safe and easy for everyone to use. People should be able to see where the step begins and ends and feel like they have secure footing.

Handrails give people something sturdy to grab for balance and support, which helps prevent falls and makes stairs and ramps easier to use, especially for those with mobility challenges.

Landings provide flat, level spaces to rest or turn around, which is important on longer staircases or ramps.

Elevators help people who can’t use the stairs. They need to be large enough for a wheelchair and anyone assisting the wheelchair user. Handrails inside provide extra support and balance, and the buttons should be easy to reach and understand.

3.0 Interior Circulation Accessibility Audit Tool

3.1 Path of Travel: Country Roads, Take Me Home

Feature	Requirements	Why It Matters
Pathway Width	All pathways, including those backstage, should be at least 47 inches (1200 mm) wide. Temporary narrow sections can be 34 inches (860 mm) for up to 2 feet (600 mm).	This gives enough room for people using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids to pass through comfortably. It also makes sure people carrying equipment or instruments have enough space.
Clear of Obstacles	Pathways should be free of obstacles like snake cables, the feet of stand-mounted monitors, large equipment like guitar cabinets, and small pieces of gear like drumsticks or hi-hat stands.	This prevents tripping hazards and allows people using mobility devices to move freely without bumping into things. Cable ramps can be used to cover cables running across pathways.
Step-Free Access	Pathways should be step-free wherever possible.	This makes sure that people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids can travel smoothly without having to navigate steps.
Turning Space	Provide enough space for wheelchairs to turn around comfortably. A minimum of 59 inches (1500 mm) is a good guideline.	This allows people using wheelchairs to maneuver easily, especially in corners or at the end of hallways.
Cable Management	Use cable ramps and a cable management system like surface-mounted raceways, wall-mounted conduits, or baseboard cable channels to run snake cables, XLR’s, and power cables.	This helps to keep cables organized and off the floor, reducing tripping hazards. It also makes the space look neater and more professional. It makes a sound technicians job a lot easier to have a tidy workspace.
Adequate Lighting	Backstage pathways should have enough lighting for safety and visibility.	This makes it easier for everyone to see where they are going and avoid accidents.
Tactile Ground Indicators	Consider using tactile ground surface indicators at transitions or areas with hazards.	These are textured surfaces on the floor that can be felt with a cane or foot. They help people with visual impairments to navigate the space safely.

3.2 Signage and Wayfinding: Go Your Own Way

Feature	Requirement	Why It Matters
Types of Signs	Directional, Backstage, Illuminated, Accessible (with wheelchair symbol and Braille)	Help people find important areas, label rooms, and make navigation easier for everyone, especially in low light.
Placement	Place signs at key decision points (entrances, exits, intersections). Face the direction people are walking. Avoid glare and shadows.	Show people where to go and make signs easy to see and use without confusion.
Visibility	Use high-contrast colors, large, easy-to-read sans-serif fonts (14 points minimum), good lighting (at least 200 lx), and matte finishes.	Make signs easy to read, even from far away or in different lighting conditions.
Accessibility	Include tactile features (raised lettering and Braille) for permanent spaces, standard pictograms, and consider multiple formats (visual, tactile, auditory).	Help everyone, including people with visual impairments, get the information they need.
Consistency	Maintain a consistent design, placement, and style for signs throughout the venue.	Help people learn the wayfinding system quickly.

3.3 Interior Staircases: Get On Up

Feature	Requirement	Why It Matters
Step Height	Steps should be no taller than 7 inches (180 mm).	This makes them easier to climb, especially for people who have trouble with stairs.
Slip-Resistant Surface	Steps should have a non-slip surface, like a textured covering or tread.	This helps prevent slips and falls.
Step Depth	The treads (the flat part you step on) should be at least 11 inches (280 mm) deep.	This gives people enough space to place their foot securely.
Contrasting Strip	A strip in a different color should be at the edge of each step. It should be 2-4 inches wide (50-100 mm).	This helps people see the edge of the step, especially those with low vision.
Nosing (Overhang)	The nosing (the part of the step that sticks out over the riser) should stick out no more than 1.5 inches (38 mm).	This prevents people from tripping on the edge of the step.
Open Risers	There should be no open spaces between the steps (no open risers).	This helps prevent people from tripping or catching their foot.
Consistent Step Height and Depth	All steps should be the same height and depth throughout the staircase.	This makes the stairs more predictable and easier to use, especially for people with mobility challenges.
Handrails	Handrails should be on both sides of the staircase. They should be continuous, even around landings (unless interrupted by a door or another path).	Handrails give people something to hold onto for support. They're important for everyone but especially helpful for people with balance issues.
Handrail Height	Handrails should be 34-36 inches (865–915 mm) above the steps.	This height makes them comfortable for most people to hold.
Handrail Gripping Surface	Handrails should be easy to grip along their whole length.	They should be smooth and free of any bumps or interruptions.
Handrail Ending	Handrails should end in a way that doesn't stick out and create a hazard.	They should curve back towards the wall or end smoothly.
Clearance Between	There should be at least 2 inches (50 mm) of space between the handrail and the wall.	This makes it easier for people to grip the handrail without scraping their knuckles.
Handrail and Wall
Landings	Landings should be flat and level. They should connect smoothly to the stairs.	This helps prevent tripping. Landings should be big enough for someone to turn around or pause to rest.

3.4 Handrails and Landings: Reach Out (I’ll Be There)

Feature	What It Needs	Why It Matters
Handrails	On both sides of stairs	Help people keep their balance and prevent falls. Especially important for people who have trouble with stairs!
	Go all the way up and down, even around landings (unless a door is in the way)	Give people something to hold onto the whole time they're on the stairs.
	34-36 inches high (865-915 mm)	Makes them easy to hold for most people.
	Smooth and easy to grip, no bumps or gaps	Lets people slide their hand along the rail without any problems.
	2 inches (50 mm) of space between the handrail and the wall	Gives people enough room to grip the handrail comfortably without hitting the wall.
	Ends smoothly, doesn't stick out	Prevents people from tripping on the end of the handrail and keeps the pathway clear.
Landings	Flat and level	Helps prevent tripping.
	Connect smoothly to the stairs, no bumps or gaps	Makes a smooth transition between the stairs and the landing.
	Big enough for a wheelchair to turn around (at least 59 inches or 1500 mm across)	Gives people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices enough space to move around comfortably.
	At the top and bottom of every staircase	Lets people rest or turn around if needed.
	Wherever there's a change in direction on the stairs	Makes sure there's a safe place to stop and change direction.

3.5 Elevators: Smooth Operator

Feature	What It Needs	Why It Matters
Size	At least 6.5 feet wide and 4.5 feet deep.	This gives enough room for a wheelchair to turn around comfortably inside.
Handrails	Installed on three sides, 31.5–36 inches high, with 1 inch of space between rail and wall.	Handrails provide support and help people keep their balance. The space from the wall offers a good grip.
Buttons	No higher than 48 inches from the floor, with Braille labels or nearby Braille signs.	Everyone should be able to reach the buttons easily. Braille helps people who are blind or visually impaired know what floor they are going to.
Button Signals	Light up or provide a visual signal when pressed.	This confirms that the button has been activated.
Door Safety	Stops if something is in the way.	This prevents the doors from closing on someone or something, keeping everyone safe.
Emergency Call System	Easy to use, with Braille or tactile features and a monitored two-way communication system.	This makes sure that people can call for help in an emergency. The two-way system allows people to talk to someone and get assistance quickly.
Monitoring	The emergency system should be monitored 24/7.	This means that someone is always available to respond to an emergency call.

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