The Poe Museum
Results from VisitAble's Accessibility Test
Section
Parking
Description of Section
This includes the number of accessible parking spaces, the labeling of the accessible parking spaces, and the accessibility of the accessible parking spaces.
Details
There is one accessible parking space about 100-150 feet away from the accessible entrance and main entrance respectively.
The surface of the parking lot is gravel, and there are no markings on the pavement to identify the space or the access aisle.
There are no spaces marked as van accessible.
The signage for the parking space is slightly below 60 inches, and there are no wheel stops.
Section
Pathway to Entrance and Entrance
Description of Section
This includes the accessibility of the pathway from the accessible parking spaces to the entrance (including curb ramps, ground/floor surfaces, etc.) and the accessibility of the entrance itself (widths of doors, lips under doors, etc.).
Details
The pathway from the parking lot to the accessible entrance of the property is mostly smooth concrete, with a small part of gravel from the accessible parking area to the sidewalk, that is step and barrier free, and there is a ramp available for those who need it to access the property, brought out upon request.
The entrance gate is wider than 36 inches.
Section
Interior Pathways
Description of Section
This includes accessibility of different items in the location, pathways in the location, signage, cleanliness of pathways, how steep pathways are, presence of inaccessible areas, accessibility of doors not covered by other sections, accessibility of any complimentary water/refreshments/snacks, and the presence and accessibility of any seating.
Details
The surface of the location’s outdoor paths are mostly brick and stone paver paths that can be narrow and uneven in spots, with a step up or down here or there.
The buildings often have steps and thresholds to access them, but there are a couple portable ramps of different lengths that can be moved around to help with access, however the slope of the ramp will vary based on the height of the step and the length of the ramp, which may be challenging for some.
The interior of the buildings have at least some space to maneuver mobility devices.
The majority of interior pathways are accessible, with a few exceptions which are mostly upstairs spaces that have no elevator to them, as well as some paths in the gift shop which are less than 32 inches wide due to furniture and shelving.
The clear width at the doorway to enter The North Building is less than 32 inches, which may be difficult to navigate for those with mobility devices.
The maneuvering clearances next to the door(s) to either enter or exit a space or building is less than 18 inches in most cases.
Stairs in The Memorial Building that lead to the Library and Reading Room on the second floor may be a challenge for some individuals as they change directions without a landing and are lacking handrails at some points, including no handrail provided against the wall, and no handrail extensions.
There are some outdoor seating options available with seating surfaces at accessible heights
The point of sale counter in the visitors center is 36 inches, and visitors hand their credit cards to staff members for purchases.
There is some merchandise in the visitor center above 48 inches from the floor that may be difficult to reach for some.
The site is generally not too noisy.
There are quiet spaces available in the reading room upstairs in The Memorial Building.
Ask staff for a more quiet, private space if needed.
Windows in most of the buildings have blinds if a darker space is needed.
Section
Bathroom
Description of Section
This includes bathrooms being labeled as accessible, the width of bathroom and accessible stall doors, location of doors, height of door openers off the floor, weight of doors, presence of appropriate grab bars, the ability for a customer using a wheelchair to completely turn around in the bathroom/accessible stall, the height of the flush controls off the floor, the reachability of the sink/toilet paper/soap/drying equipment/lights, and the height of mirrors off the floor.
Details
There are two single stall, gender neutral restrooms.
One restroom is located in the Visitor Center, and the other is in The North Building.
The other restroom, in The North Building, has a clear width doorway less than 32 inches wide, and also has a door that is difficult to open and close as the bottom of the door scrapes against the floor.
The interior of each restroom is somewhat narrow and tight, space wise, due to trash cans, pipes, and other objects or furniture in the space that reduce maneuvering clearances.
Maneuvering space next to the door to enter the restroom located in The North Building is less than 18 inches wide.
The sinks and soap in each restroom are at accessible heights, and the light switches are either right at 48 inches or slightly above.
The paper towels in both restrooms are sensor operated, but the sensor is higher than 48 inches above the floor.
There are two horizontal grab bars, one on the side wall and one on the rear wall behind the toilet, that are at accessible heights, but not in the correct location off of the wall and/or not the correct length.
The centerline of toilet paper is either less than 7 inches in front of the toilet, in the case of the Visitor Center restroom, or greater than 9 inches in the case of the restroom inThe North building.
Be mindful of some exposed piping under the sinks that is not fully insulated.
Section
Amenities
Description of Section
This includes the presence of accessibility features to make this establishment go above and beyond the accessibility of other establishments of the same type.
Details
There are two portable ramps to help with access to various buildings and areas around the property if steps present a challenge, one is about 80 inches long and 30 inches wide and the other is about 32 inches long and 30 inches wide.
There are walking canes available upon request, although supply is limited, and there is a step stool available, if needed, upon request.
There is a step stool available upon request if needed- we were told at the time of our assessment, that there was one in the kitchenette space.
There are some electrical outlets throughout the property that are at accessible heights.
Employees are going through or have gone through disability etiquette training to differentiate and elevate their customer service.
Want to Learn More About Our Accessibility Tests?
Send an email to visitable.certification@gmail.com with subject line: "VisitAble's Accessibility Test" and tell us what specifically you would like to know and the reason why. We're happy to provide as much information as is needed to allow you to have the confidence in knowing if an establishment is accessible to you or not!