RESOURCES

Accessibility is the starting point. Inclusion is the experience.

A space can meet technical accessibility requirements and still be difficult to navigate, understand, use, or fully experience.

Access Beyond looks at what accessibility means in practice.

We consider whether people with disabilities can:

• Find useful accessibility information before arriving

• Get there and enter

• Navigate spaces with greater independence

• Understand information and communicate effectively

• Access products, programs, and services

• Use seating, restrooms, and other amenities

• Request accommodations without unnecessary barriers

• Make meaningful choices

Where does accessibility show up?

Parking & Arrival
Accessible parking, drop-off areas, routes and transportation.

Entrances & Doors
Step-free entrances, doors, thresholds and maneuvering space.

Navigation & Wayfinding
Paths, signs, elevators, lighting and finding your way.

Restrooms
Routes, accessible stalls, fixtures and usability.

Customer Service & Communication
Respectful interaction and different ways to communicate.

Sensory Environments
Noise, lighting, crowds, predictability and quiet spaces.

Programs & Activities
Creating opportunities for meaningful participation.

Certification isn't all or nothing.

Access Beyond was intentionally designed to recognize progress.

An organization shouldn't have to become an accessibility leader before the improvements it has already made can be recognized.

A business at Accessible has established essential access.

An organization at Enhanced is creating greater independence.

An organization at Inclusive is enabling more meaningful participation.

And an Exceptional organization is demonstrating above-and-beyond accessibility leadership.

The rating isn't intended to label an organization as "good" or "bad." It communicates what has been demonstrated and provides a pathway for what can come next.

Accessibility across the complete experience.

Access Beyond looks at accessibility as a connected experience rather than a collection of isolated features.

Arrival & Getting There
Parking, drop-off, transportation connections, exterior routes, and approach.

Entrances & Doors
Step-free access, doors, thresholds, maneuvering space, and accessible entry.

Navigation & Wayfinding
Routes, circulation, elevators, ramps, signage, lighting, and orientation.

Service & Communication
Interactions, communication options, information access, and respectful assistance.

Seating & Amenities
Seating choices, tables, counters, rest areas, and other amenities.

Restrooms
Accessible routes, fixtures, maneuvering space, usability, and availability.

Sensory & Cognitive Experience
Noise, lighting, predictability, communication, sensory considerations, and quieter options.

A practical process designed for improvement.

ASSESS

Your organization is evaluated using the Access Beyond accessibility framework.

IDENTIFY

We identify strengths, barriers, critical requirements, and opportunities for improvement.

RATE

Your demonstrated accessibility is evaluated against the four Access Beyond levels: ★ Accessible · ★★ Enhanced · ★★★ Inclusive · ★★★★ Exceptional

IMPROVE

You receive prioritized recommendations to help remove barriers, strengthen the experience, and advance toward the next level.

REASSESS

As improvements are made, progress can be verified and your rating can advance.

Accessibility isn't a one-time project. It's a process of continuous improvement.

Recognition should mean something.

Access Beyond Certification isn't based simply on an organization's self-report that accessibility features exist.

Depending on the organization and certification process, verification may include:

• Photographs

• Video

• Measurements

• Policy and procedure review

• Website and communication review

• Supporting documentation

• Virtual verification

• On-site assessment

• Follow-up questions or clarification

Verification helps ensure the Access Beyond rating reflects the accessibility people can reasonably expect to encounter.