Behind the Scenes: How I Research and Secure ADA Seats for Accessible Outing

Planning an accessible outing can be a time-consuming and sometimes frustrating process. When it comes to finding accurate information about ADA seating at venues, there really aren’t many blogs or social media accounts covering accessibility at a local level. That’s one of the main reasons I decided to start sharing my experiences—I wanted to make this information available for others who might be facing the same challenges.

How I Start My Research

The first step in my process is simply searching on Google to see what information is readily available. Many venues and stadiums have ADA guidelines on their websites, but the details can be vague or incomplete. If I find something useful, I take notes, but if the information seems limited, I know I need to dig deeper.

To get a better understanding of a location’s accessibility, I check if anyone else has written about it. Sometimes I find a blog post or social media discussion, but more often than not, there’s little to no firsthand insight available. That’s when I take matters into my own hands.

Reaching Out for More Information

If the venue’s website doesn’t provide enough details, I reach out directly. I send emails and make phone calls to ask specific questions about ADA seating, parking, entry points, and any additional accommodations they might offer. Most venues are responsive and provide more clarity than what’s listed on their websites.

This step is important because even if a venue advertises itself as accessible, the actual experience can vary greatly. For example, a stadium might have ADA seating, but if the process of getting to that section is difficult or poorly managed, it’s something I want to know ahead of time.

Booking ADA Seats

In most cases, securing ADA seats is straightforward. I visit the venue’s official ticketing website and purchase wheelchair-accessible seating directly. However, there are times when ADA seats aren’t available for an event, which can make things more complicated.

When this happens, I purchase regular seats and later exchange them at the venue. This not only ensures I can still attend the event but also allows me to see firsthand how accommodating the venue is when it comes to last-minute accessibility adjustments. It’s always interesting to see how different places handle these requests—some make it an easy process, while others are more challenging to navigate.

Conclusion

Researching and securing ADA seating isn’t always simple, but I’ve found ways to make the process smoother. By combining online research, direct communication with venues, and firsthand experiences, I’m able to gather the information I need—and share it with others who might be looking for the same answers.

Accessibility should be easy, but until more venues provide clear and detailed information, I’ll continue doing the work to make outings more accessible for myself and others. If you’re planning an event and need ADA accommodations, don’t hesitate to reach out to the venue directly—it can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.