The Basics Of ADA And Accessibility for Auditorium Seating

By Anne Chapman

November 5, 2020

Creating ADA-compliant and fully accessible auditoriums is essential to ensure every visitor enjoys the same high-quality viewing experience. Design teams must balance federal ADA guidelines, local codes, and the architectural constraints of each venue. Understanding ADA seating requirements early in the design process helps prevent costly revisions and ensures an inclusive environment.

The number of wheelchair spaces needed will depend on the capacity of the venue. The larger the facility, the more spaces that are necessary to satisfy accessibility requirements. While some local requirements may vary, ADA guidelines generally require:

• Four to 25 seats require one wheelchair space.

• 26 to 50 requires two spaces.

• A venue with 51 to 150 seats must have four spaces.

• 151 to 300 requires five spaces.

• 301 to 500 requires six spaces.

Auditoriums with 501 to 5,000 seats must have six spaces, plus an additional one for every 150 (or fraction of 150) seats over 501. So, an auditorium that seats 3,200 people would be required to have 24 wheelchair spaces.

To ensure that every patron has the same opportunity to see the show, wheelchair spaces must be dispersed throughout the venue. They need to have the same variation in sight lines available to other patrons, as well as access to the same choice of admission prices. These spaces also need to be joined to an accessible route for emergency exits.

It's preferred for wheelchair accessible spaces to be provided in pairs. Every wheelchair space must have a companion seat adjacent to it. The companion seats may be either fixed or removable, to allow for maximum flexibility. The companion seats must also be on the same floor or elevation as the wheelchair seats to allow for shoulder-to-shoulder alignment. This often requires deeper row spacing, so it’s important to keep that in mind from the start of the design process.

While it is generally required that wheelchair spaces not be clustered at the front or rear, there may be waivers for the requirement in some instances. This includes venues where the wide dispersal of wheelchair accessible seats is not feasible, for instance, in sections where seating is installed on treads & risers.

Wheelchair accessibility is not the only concern to keep in mind when designing a space. At least five percent of aisle seats in any space must have retractable/folding armrests or aisle panels that swing open. It's worth noting that the percentage addresses only aisle seats and not the total number of seats in the venue.

These locations allow someone to transfer from a wheelchair to a regular seat. The designated aisle seats must be the ones closest located to accessible routes in and out of the auditorium. They must be marked with approved insignia to make them easier to find.

Designers who are worried about being able to provide enough wheelchair accessible spaces that fit ADA requirements may have more options than they realize. For instance, our ADA/Video Platforms provide flexibility, allowing designers to create modular spaces that can be added or removed as needed. These platforms are supplied in four-foot-by-four-foot sections to provide larger viewing areas. They can be used as wheelchair platforms that are accessible from the concourse area and can be paired with tread-mounted companion seating.

Additionally, removable chairs can be placed in wheelchair spaces to be used when the wheelchair space is not needed. This means that no seat needs to be left empty on the night of a full house.

Irwin’s experience with accessible seating configurations is evident in venues nationwide, from new installations to the upgrading of historic spaces like the Havre de Grace Cultural Center in Maryland. In this space, we helped preserve the historic look and feel of the building while also providing a space that is accessible to all.

With years of experience in the performing arts seating industry, we have the expertise to support your project from concept through installation. Contact us to help you meet your duties to your audience while providing a safe and enjoyable space for all.