What types of places can be nominated?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and organizations that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go. This federal law applies to all businesses open to the public, including restaurants, hotels, taxis and shuttles, grocery and department stores, hospitals and medical offices, theaters, health clubs, parks, and zoos. The Red Vest Accessible program recognizes those businesses who understand and follow these ADA guidelines.
What makes a place Red Vest Accessible?
People will look for different features depending on their disability. While the main focus of Red Vest Accessible is on Service Dogs and their handlers, suggested criteria to look at when considering whether to nominate a business or location goes beyond Service Dogs. Please use the suggestion box on this page if you have other criteria that should be included in this list.
Understands Service Dog access laws
Welcoming to Service Dog teams
Evidence of disability awareness staff training
Welcoming to all customers
Accessible parking near station entrances and bus shelters
Barrier free walkways, shelters and stations
Subways and trains have: Wide fare gates; Priority seating; Gap reducers between car and platform
Buses have: Low floor ramps or lifts; Wheelchair securement areas; Priority seating
Adequate number of accessible parking spaces (if parking is provided)
At least one van accessible space
Vehicle suitable for wheelchairs
Driver understands Service Dog access
Level entrance access or ramped/sloped access
Automatic doors
Doors are wide enough for all customers
Doors are easy to open for all customers (i.e., buttons available)
Elevator available and working if not first floor
Ramps available
Corridors are wide and unobstructed
Accessible restrooms, including Wall-mounted grab rails, Wide doors (entrance of restroom and individual stalls)
Accessible accommodation, including Step-free access, Accessible en-suite shower or bathroom, and Door wide enough for all customers
Accessibility Criteria Recommendation
Ready to recommend someone as Red Vest Accessible?