Good morning,
Our FOH Team has brought to our attention a new trend in Wheelchair design that is starting to cramp the space we have designated for mobility devices and were wondering if anyone else has come across this. If so, how have you dealt with it? Did you have to re-scale your hall(s) and remove additional seats?
What we're finding is that these newer, larger devices which sit on something akin to a platform can raise the patron up to a higher sitting position as well as recline, take up more space than traditional devices. We're contemplating killing additional seats, effectively reducing the number of Accessible seats we have available in our venue.
Any insight or experience that you might have is greatly appreciated!!
Thanks!Short
Hi Christopher:I'm not sure how much space you're currently allowing for wheelchair access. We are killing "one and a half" seats per wheelchair. Practically speaking this means that we are taking out two seats to accommodate one wheelchair; we pull out three seats to accommodate two wheelchairs.
With that formula, our space is sufficient, though if we're warned that there is a device similar to what you describe, we may not sell a second seat in that area.
I'm not sure if that answered your question or not. Please feel free to call if you have further questions.
I'm also curious as to what others have to say on this.
Kindly,
Mark