Events & Public Access
University of Colorado Boulder is committed to ensuring that every event open to the public is accessible to all attendees. ADA Compliance works with event organizers across campus to coordinate communication services, provide guidance on accessible event planning, and ensure that participants with disabilities can fully engage in campus programming.
Requesting ASL Interpretation or Captioning
ADA Compliance coordinates American Sign Language interpretation and real-time captioning services for campus events through certified vendors and interpreters.
When ADA Compliance provides effective communication services:
ADA Compliance will coordinate and cover the cost of effective communication services if your event meets one or more of the following:
- You anticipate 200 or more attendees
- You have received a specific request for effective communication from a participant
- You have reason to believe participants may rely on effective communication services
- The subject matter of the event relates to accessibility and is likely to attract attendees who use these services
For smaller events without a specific request:
If your event does not meet the criteria above, you may still elect to provide ASL interpretation, captioning, or audio description — funded through your event or department budget. ADA Compliance can support you in coordinating those services.
Lead time:
Please contact ADA Compliance at least two weeks before your event. The earlier you reach out in the planning process, the more likely we will be able to meet the needs of all participants. Requests received with less than one week's notice cannot be guaranteed, though we will always make every effort to accommodate late requests.
Planning an Accessible Event
Accessibility planning should begin early — ideally at the same time as other logistics. Whether or not you know that people with disabilities will be attending, it is best practice to assume that your audience will include people with a range of access needs.
Event promotion
All event advertising should let participants know how to request accommodations and include any relevant deadlines. This helps ensure people can make arrangements in advance rather than arriving without the support they need.
Suggested language for event promotion: "If you will need a disability-related accommodation to participate fully in this event, please contact [Event Planner] at least one week before your visit."
Include any known accessibility information in your promotional materials — for example, whether the venue is wheelchair accessible, where accessible parking is located, and what types of engagement or activities are planned.
Accessible event spaces
When selecting and preparing your venue, plan for attendees who use wheelchairs, crutches, service animals, or other mobility aids. Key considerations include:
- Pathways and access routes — ensure aisles, entrances, and paths to seating, restrooms, and exits are clear of obstructions
- Seating — reserve accessible seating options at the front and back of the space; consider whether all chair types are comfortable and navigable for a range of attendees
- Sound quality — use microphones to improve audio clarity for all attendees and to enable assistive listening devices for participants with hearing impairments
- Signage and wayfinding — provide clear directions to the venue, including accessible parking and entrance locations; for large events, designate a staff member or volunteer as an on-site accessibility point of contact
- Screens and programs — ensure that visual materials are large enough to be seen from accessible seating, and that printed programs are available in accessible formats upon request
Captioning, ASL, and assistive listening
For in-person presentations, live captioning, ASL interpretation, and assistive listening devices can all be arranged in advance. Contact ADA Compliance to discuss which services are appropriate for your event and to initiate a request.
Digital accessibility
Event websites, registration forms, promotional materials, and digital programs should all be created with accessibility in mind. For guidance on accessible digital content, visit the Digital Accessibility Office's Accessible In-Person Events guide.
Event-Specific Accessibility Information
For detailed accessibility guidance for specific campus venues and major events, visit the pages below: