News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Making Your Space Accessible to All
Creating an accessible and inclusive space doesn't need to be a daunting or expensive task. Upside Cidery quickly made their already inclusive space even more so by creating tables that are accessible to all in their cidery. Included are some tips on where and how to start making your space accessible.
Accessible Business Feature: Upside Cidery
Creating a space for all was the inspiration behind the opening of Upside Cidery. A space that welcomes anyone from families with children to business professionals, and everyone in between. They even welcome dogs into their space.
Upside Cidery is an organic cidery located on 18 acres of land on Gale Road behind Route 97 in Kelowna. This land was originally used to crush gravel for the building of the highway when it was first purchased in 1970 by the co-owner, Mike Large’s father. Both owners, Mike Large and Isaac Potash, grew up farming with Isaac’s family farm being one of the first organic farms.
The building that houses Upside Cidery was created in a way that upon arrival, is easy for everyone to access and move around. They have a paved and flat parking lot with a designated accessible stall and three stalls along the side of the building that can accommodate a vehicle with a side lift or ramp. Their open floor concept allows for lots of space to maneuver around in the cidery and the washrooms are very accessible.
Isaac Potach
Having only opened in June of 2019, the cidery is very successful and has become a very popular hangout for locals. The atmosphere is extremely welcoming and the staff are very friendly and accommodating. With the vision of everyone being welcome and able to enjoy Upside Cidery, Isaac was eager to do what he could when TOTA Accessibility specialist, Sonja Gaudet, brought to his attention, on her visit to the cidery, that there was no accessible seating in the building, only high tops and picnic tables.
“Making your space accessible doesn’t have to be expensive or daunting.”
Isaac immediately called up his builder to create two tables that were wheelchair accessible and comfortable for anyone that struggles to sit at high top tables. One of these tables is able to be moved inside and out.
Without hesitation and within a couple of weeks, Upside was able to create a space that truly is for everyone. Along with the accessible seating, they are now planning to design a tasting bar that will be at an accessible height for seated tastings by next year.
Creating a space for all, although may seem initially overwhelming, is not a complicated task. In order for people with mobility requirements to participate and experience the services and products available in the tourism space, there are three accessible features to address first. These features will help to ensure an enjoyable and memorable experience, worthy of several repeat visits and recommendations to MANY friends and family members! Keep it simple and start with these aspects to make your space accessible to all.
Simple, but Key Priorities
Accessible Parking
Paved or hard packed crush grade gravel surface.
Designate accessible parking spaces with:
Clearly marked lines.
Accessible parking signage on a post at the front of the parking space.
Ensure spaces are wide enough to accommodate a vehicle that may have a side lift or ramp - 3.9 meters wide.
For gravel surface parking lots:
Designate accessible parking closest to the main entrance access route.
Using spray paint is very effective for marking parking space lines.
When your able to re-paint your parking lot lines, here are best practice recommendations - Accessible Parking Stall
Main Entrance Access
Level/minimal slope access route to the main entrance.
Curb cut access from the parking area to the main entrance access route
If main entrance access is via stairs - ramp access is required.
Automatic/low touch/no touch main entrance door - minimum width 81.5 cm
OR easy push/pull main entrance door.
If applicable, loosen tension on overhead automatic door tension bar/closer unit.
Weather permitting, keeping the main entrance door in the open position is a temporary option.
Level/no step door thresholds.
Threshold ramps are a very inexpensive and easy way to eliminate a step-up door threshold that you may have anywhere throughout your site.
Accessible Washrooms
Ensure your washroom is wheelchair accessible.
Automatic, low touch or easy push/pull door - minimum width 81.5 cm.
Grab bars beside the toilet.
Roll under sink vanity height - minimum 68.5 cm / maximum 86.5 cm
152 cm floor space free of any obstruction.
An easy initial adjustment to allow for more space inside the washroom, is to ensure that the swing of the door swings out. This is also for safety reasons, in case someone were to fall up against the door inside the washroom and access was required.
Until a full renovation is possible, work with the washroom you presently have to re-configure, adjust and modify as best as possible to the best practice recommendations found here - Accessible Washroom
Further Recommendations
If your experience offers food & beverage service - ensure you have lower height tasting bars & table options for wheelchair users and individuals who require or prefer to be seated while eating and/or tasting.
Minimum height - 68.5 cm / floor to bottom of surface
Maximum height - 86.5 cm / floor to bottom of surface
Learn more about Accessibility Recommendations
Remember, accessibility and inclusion is so much more than what we build into our physical environment. It is a collective positive energy and attitude that can be felt upon entering any environment. It transcends directly from the heart and creates a feeling of belonging and freedom. This powerful and open mindset towards full integration inspires meaningful and authentic connections with one another, enriching the lives of EVERYONE along its path.
TOTA’s Accessibility video, Accessibility in a New Light, gives us a better understanding of the importance and positive impact accessibility and inclusivity in our community can have on individuals.
About the Author
Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. As a Brand Ambassador for the Thompson Okanagan region, she hopes to be able to showcase the region’s local businesses and natural attractions to encourage others to come and enjoy them in a safe and sustainable way.
About the Author
Sonja Gaudet is a retired 3 X Paralympic Gold Medalist and most recently a Canadian Order of Sport Inductee 2020/21. She lives in Vernon with her husband Dan and two adult children, Alysha and Colten. Sonja has a passion in locating and creating accessible experiences in the Okanagan region. Some of her adventures include kayaking, exploring the accessible hiking trails with her dog Lina, and enjoying Charcuterie with her most recently discovered favorite glass of red wine, more than likely from somewhere in the South Okanagan or Similkameen region.