Ashland Visitor Center

There are two labeled accessible street parking spaces on the west side of the railroad tracks, along North Railroad Ave, less than 100 feet away from the accessible entrance.

There is no labeled van accessible parking, and the labeled accessible street parking spaces have the access aisle in front of or behind the spaces, not immediately adjacent.

The parking spaces are on a relatively flat surface made of asphalt, with all the appropriate pavement markings and signage for standard accessible spaces.

There are two curb cuts nearby with color contrasted tactile domes, one of which is connected to the shared access aisle for the two accessible spaces.

The route from the accessible parking spaces is relatively flat and is only a short distance to the accessible entrance.

There are some benches at accessible heights in front of the building before reaching the door, all with backrests.

The accessible entrance is on the east side of the building, closest to the railroad tracks, although there is no sign directing you to an accessible entrance, with a portable ramp that can be brought out upon request, so the entrance can be made step free.

There is also an entrance on the opposite side of the building away from the tracks, but there is an additional 5-inch high curb without a curb ramp in front of this door, and the portable ramp is not ideal for this door.

The accessible entrance door is push to enter and could be fairly heavy for some to open, but the door hardware is at an accessible height and requires grasping to open.

The clear width of the accessible entrance is greater than 36 inches.

The maneuvering clearance needed next to the door to pull it open and exit is restricted by a radiator next to the door.

Once inside, the main pathways are mostly 36 inches wide with a few exceptions at the various interior doorways which are less than 32 inches wide.

The flooring surface is small square tiles and linoleum type flooring with a slight change in vertical height at the transition between the two surfaces.

There are several places to sit, with seating at an accessible height, and backrests.

Some of the pamphlets or magazines for the different attractions and destinations may be difficult to reach as they are above or below an accessible height, but staff are happy to assist if needed.

QR codes that were found on some of the pamphlets were not working at the time of our assessment.

The point of sale/service counter is slightly above an accessible height.

Signage is limited, generally, throughout. What signage does exist has decent contrast, but the text is small and there are no braille or tactile characters.

The site is typically not too crowded, but can be crowded and noisy when a train passes by, arrives outside, or before a train shows up.

There is a quiet space available in the old ticket counter area, now just used as a display, and this room can be closed off if needed.

When the oil tank is filled downstairs, there can be a strong smell in the building - this is not an everyday occurrence.

None of the windows in the building have shades or blinds because visitors want to be able to see the trains.

Restrooms are generally not accessible.

There are two single occupant, gender neutral restrooms in the building that have doorways less than 32 inches wide, less than a 60 inch by 60 inch clear space inside, and only one vertical grab bar on the side wall next to the toilet.

The clear space needed next to and in front of both restroom doors is either blocked or restricted by furniture, or items attached to the wall.

Both of the restroom doors are hard to lock and unlock because they have a tendency to swing open rather than closed.

The hooks on the back of each door for your coat are both above 48 inches above the floor, and the manual light switches are above 48 inches from the floor.

The sink, controls, and soap are at an accessible height, but there is not adequate space in front of or under the sink for those using mobility devices, and the paper towels may be difficult to reach as they are above an accessible height.

Drawstring bags are available for any free materials or purchases to make carrying items easier.

Visitors can email feedback about their experience here if electronic input is preferred.

There is a step stool available upon request.

The center is pet friendly but that fact is not advertised.

There are stress balls available in the welcome bags given out.

There are several electrical outlets at an accessible height in the building.

Employees are going through, or have completed, disability etiquette training to differentiate and elevate their customer service.