Indoor & Outdoor Areas
A venue will often have a range of different areas inside and/or outside the venue. When tagging indoor and outdoor areas, we aim to give users a sense of the layout, furniture and pathways in each space. This helps them know which areas they can comfortably enter, move around and use as required!
Indoor Areas
The first step when tagging an indoor area is to identify the area within the venue. We designate areas based on their location within the venue:
Front Area: This is generally the first area of the venue in which visitors perform a key activity – like eating, drinking or socialising. This area is typically located just beyond the main entrance and is often the most populated part of the venue with key features like tables, chairs, counters and serving areas.
Back or Side Area: These areas are usually more secluded, offering additional seating or quiet spaces. There might be a significant difference in furniture or layout compared to the front area, such as a side row of booths or a back dining room in a restaurant that you access through a door.
Upstairs: Upstairs areas are accessed via stairs or a lift. Be sure to note how a visitor might access this area and any key accessibility features such as seating, tables and/or service methods.
Downstairs: Downstairs areas are similarly accessed via stairs or a lift. They can include basements or lower levels with additional seating, bars or toilets. As with upstairs areas, noting how a visitor will access this space is crucial – along with any other notable seating, table or service features.
Once you've designated the location of the area you are tagging, you should consider whether the area is the "Main Area". To identify the main area, we suggest considering:
Type and Level of Activity: The main area often has the highest foot traffic and is a focal point for visitors, where the primary activity of the venue takes place (eg. in a restaurant, where you eat; in a bar, where you drink; in a nightclub, where you dance)
Landmark Features: Look for prominent elements that are unique to the space – like reception desks, main counters, or central bars.
Size and Layout: In many venues, the main area is designed to be the most spacious and visually accessible from multiple points.
We require users to tag the front area first. Once you have completed tagging the front area, the other areas noted above will unlock and you can add tags for each of these too.
Remember to check if the venue has additional seating, tables or bars upstairs or downstairs. Add tags and images for these areas if you can access them!
Seating, Chairs, and Tables
The seating arrangements and furniture in a venue may significantly impact accessibility for disabled visitors. Understanding how tables and chairs are arranged, whether they can be adjusted or moved, and the range of options available to accommodate diverse requirements is essential information to tag.
Seating Availability
The availability of seating depends on the venue's size and total seating capacity. When assessing whether there are many seats available or if seating is limited, use your judgment to compare the amount of seating available to the total space in the area being tagged. You could also consider how many people might fit in the area being tagged and assess what proportion of these could be seated.
Tables and Countertops
When assessing tables and counters, pay close attention to:
Height of Table: Determine whether it's a standard, seated-height table or a high table at which you may need to stand or use a high chair.
This venue has a high table along the window, with stools, and seated-height tables and chairs behind it.
Chairs
Different seating options like stools, chairs, and benches can impact accessibility for different users. The key differences between each type of seating is as follows:
Chair: A regular chair that is seated-height and typically has four legs. Typically movable, not fixed.
Armchair: A larger chair with armrests. Typically movable, but quite large and heavy to manoeuvre.
Stool: A chair of any height without a backrest, or a higher chair used for bars, counters or high tables.
Couch: A large, comfortable seat for multiple-people. Typically fixed or, if movable, very heavy.
Bench: A long seat for multiple-people, typically without a backrest. Often movable but can be fixed to the floor or wall.
Booth: A long seat for multiple-people, typically wrapped around a table. Normally features a cushioned backrest, fixed to a wall. Users typically slide along the booth to get from one side to the other.
Half-booth: Booth-style seating but with greater access to and from the booth seats. Typically only on one side of a table rather than wrapping around it.
Pathways and Doors
When navigating to a specific area in a venue, it's good to observe and document the journey. When tagging pathways, please consider the following:
Pathway Width: Assess whether the paths are narrow or wide in line with your assessment of the width of the doorway. Wide pathways are generally more accessible, especially for wheelchair users or those with mobility aids.
Steps and Ramps: Note the presence of any steps or ramps along the path. Describe their condition, steepness, and whether there are handrails or other support features.
Doors: Tag any doors that you need to pass through to reach the relevant area. Note if these doors are manually operated, automatic, or otherwise require assistance to open.
Taking pictures of these features can be particularly helpful. In particular, take photos in sequential order as you move through the relevant pathway from the entrance to the final destination.
Remember, the goal is to provide a clear and accurate depiction of the path to key areas within the venue, such as bathrooms, dining areas, or event spaces. This helps users with accessibility needs plan their visits more effectively.
Outdoor Areas
Outdoor areas can range from street-side patios and back gardens to rooftop terraces. Outdoor areas require extra attention to detail as the accessibility of each area may be influenced by its interaction with the outside world. As for indoor areas, the first step is to identify the location of the outdoor area within the venue:
Front or Street Area: This area is located outside the front of the venue and often features outdoor seating or a street-facing patio. It's the first outdoor area you'll typically see and, depending on the location of the venue, may be directly exposed to the street.
Back or Garden Area: Commonly found in pubs, this space might include gardens or sheltered patios. Access is typically through the venue, so be sure to note the accessibility of the relevant pathways and doors along the way.
Rooftop Area: This area is usually accessed by stairs or a lift. Rooftops may also feature open-air seating, permanent or temporary cover, and outdoor heating.
Remember, not all venues will have every one of these areas. Only tag the areas present at the venue you're visiting. This helps users know exactly what to expect regarding space and accessibility.