The Accessibility Audit: Six Things Organizations Often Miss (And How to Fix Them)
One part of my private practice at Sound Shore Coaching includes conducting ADA accessibility audits and consultations for schools, camps, and community organizations. These audits help leaders identify gaps, go beyond compliance, and create spaces where everyone can participate with dignity.
When most organizations hear “accessibility,” they think ramps, elevators, or ADA bathroom signs. But true accessibility is more than compliance, it’s about creating environments where everyone belongs.
Over the years, I’ve seen the same oversights pop up again and again. Here are six areas often missed, and how to fix them.
1. Entrances & Pathways: It’s Not Just About the Ramp
The Miss: Doors that are too heavy, thresholds that trip wheelchairs, or “accessible” ramps tucked around the back entrance.
The Fix: Ensure the main entrance is accessible, with automatic door openers and level thresholds. Accessibility should feel welcoming, not like an afterthought.
2. Signage & Wayfinding: Clear for Whom?
The Miss: Tiny print, poor contrast, or signs placed too high for children or wheelchair users.
The Fix: Use large-font, high-contrast signs with icons or visuals. Post maps at multiple heights. Consistent signage across spaces prevents confusion.
3. Sensory Environment: The Hidden Barrier
The Miss: Fluorescent lights that buzz, cafeterias that echo, or strong cleaning scents that overwhelm children with sensory sensitivities.
The Fix: Offer sensory-friendly spaces, dimmable lighting, noise-reducing materials, and fragrance-free cleaning products. Even a quiet corner with headphones or fidgets can make inclusion possible.
4. Communication Supports: Beyond Verbal Instructions
The Miss: Staff giving only verbal directions, websites without alt text, or camp activities that rely on verbal processing speed.
The Fix: Train staff to use visuals, gestures, written cues, and plain language. Ensure digital materials meet accessibility standards (like screen-reader compatibility).
5. Bathrooms & Changing Areas: Privacy Matters
The Miss: A single ADA stall that doesn’t meet size needs, or a lack of private changing spaces for older children or adults who need assistance.
The Fix: Provide accessible stalls with proper turning space, grab bars, and privacy. Consider a family bathroom or private changing space, which serves both children and adults.
6. Staff Training: The Most Overlooked Piece
The Miss: Beautifully renovated accessible spaces … staffed by people unsure how to support individuals with disabilities.
The Fix: Accessibility is not just physical, it’s cultural. Ongoing staff training on inclusion, language, and universal design makes the difference between compliance and true belonging.
Why This Matters
An accessibility audit is not just a checklist — it’s a mindset shift. When organizations miss these details, they send unintentional messages about who belongs. When they fix them, they open doors (literally and figuratively) to participation, equity, and community.
Call to Action
At Sound Shore Coaching, I partner with schools, camps, and organizations to conduct accessibility audits and create action plans that go beyond compliance. If you’re ready to identify gaps and build a more inclusive culture, let’s connect.
