Ever wondered about the difference between accessibility and accommodation? These aren’t just buzzwords. Knowing what they mean helps us support the people we interact with every day. 

Accessibility and accommodation both help people with disabilities, but they do it in different ways. 

Accessibility is proactive. It means creating places or things that everyone can use, including people with disabilities. PARK365 is a great example. It has a treehouse, merry-go-round, musical instruments – and wheelchair users can play with all of them. When buildings or spaces are accessible, it means everyone can enjoy them. 

Accommodation is reactive. It means making special changes or adding tools for a person who needs support. For example, a student with a learning disability might get extra time to finish a test. Or someone who is deaf might need a sign language interpreter to help them understand a lesson. Accommodations are helpful, especially when things weren’t made accessible from the start. 

Accessibility is about designing things that work for everyone. Accommodations are steps we take to support someone with a specific need. 

Examples of Accessibility 

1. Website Design: A website with alt text that describes pictures helps people with vision impairments understand the content. 

2. Public Transportation: Buses with ramps and spaces for wheelchairs let everyone get around the city. 

3. Closed Captioning: Adding captions lets deaf people enjoy movies, TV shows and videos. It also lets others read along or watch without sound. 

4. Curb Cuts: These simple sidewalk changes make it easier for pedestrians who use wheelchairs, strollers or other mobility aids. 

5. Braille Signage: When braille is added to sign design, people with vision impairments can navigate buildings safely and successfully.  

Examples of Accommodation 

1. Extended Time on Tests: A student with a learning disability might get extra time to finish a test. 

2. Assistive Technology: Tools like screen readers, talk-to-text, or read aloud features can help people with disabilities to read and write.  

3. Flexible Work Hours: An employee with a health condition might be allowed to work flexible hours to manage their health. 

Want to Keep Learning? Here’s How! 

Our understanding of accessibility and accommodation keeps growing as we learn new things. Here are some fun ways to learn more: 

1. Online Resources: Check out websites and blogs like the ADA Network for more information. 

2. Books: Read books on accessible design to learn how spaces are made welcoming for all. 

3. Workshops and Trainings: Local groups and schools often have workshops on accessibility. 

4. Community Resources: Talking with people who have disabilities helps us learn what they need. 

5. Conferences and Events: Attending events about accessibility gives us new ideas. 

6. Networking: Join online groups or forums to connect with people who care about accessibility. 

7. Government Resources: Resources from the U.S. Access Board and others provide guidelines on accessibility. 

Accommodation & Accessibility at SOAR365 

To better explore what accommodation and accessibility mean for people with disabilities, we want to give an inside look into how SOAR365 lives out its value of inclusivity across all programs, services and departments. 

Over the next few months, more articles will follow this one with insight from the people who work day-in and day-out to provide accessibility and make necessary accommodations throughout the organization. 

Stay tuned to soar365.org!