The Valentine First Freedom Center

Staff is friendly, and ready to help however they can. For example, staff can help open and close any doors, help you find quiet areas if needed, etc.

The location is service animal friendly, but not pet friendly.

There is one accessible street parking space available on South 13th street, about a tenth of a mile northwest of the First Freedom Center. It does not have an access aisle and is not marked as van accessible.

There is also accessible parking available at the city parking garage located at 1410 E. Cary Street, but the clearance is only six feet, four inches high, which may not accommodate vans or larger vehicles.

The pathway from the street parking is mostly brick and asphalt, with a curb cut for access to the sidewalk from the street. The path is sloped to various degrees from the street parking to the entrance, with certain sections being fairly steep.

If one parks in the garage, there are stairs or an elevator that take you to street level, and once out of the garage, the path is fairly steep headed towards the entrance to the First Freedom Center, again with a mix of brick and concrete surfaces.

The main entrance and exit are clearly marked from the outside with white lettering on a red background, but there are no braille or tactile characters.

The main entrance door is somewhat difficult to open force wise, and there is no automatic push button, but there are no steps or ramps needed to enter the building.

The interior pathways are fairly wide paths with plenty of room to maneuver mobility devices, and the floor surface is a mostly compacted, industrial carpet, with some tile in the second floor hallway where there is more exhibit space.

There is a lift to access the second floor for those who do not prefer steps, with enough room for one wheelchair.

Directional and informational signage throughout is limited, and most of the informational and interpretive signage does not have braille, tactile, or digital alternatives.

There are several seating options available throughout with seating surfaces at accessible heights, with back and armrests.

The point of sale counter in the gift shop/visitor welcome area is at an accessible height, and staff provides assistance with credit cards for purchases.

There is some merchandise in the gift shop that may be difficult to reach for some, but staff is able to assist if needed.

The site is generally not too noisy.

There are a couple accessible multi-stall, gendered restrooms, and a single occupant restroom on the second floor that are part of an adjacent hotel.

The interior of each restroom/accessible stall is spacious, and there are grab bars at good heights next to and behind each toilet.

The light switches in all restrooms have a sensor to control them, and the sinks, soap, and paper towel dispensers in each restroom are at accessible heights.

Click the black "Accessibility Test Results" button at the top of this page to view in-depth accessibility metrics for this business!