**Guidelines for Assisting Those with Accessibility Needs**

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height="1.0104166666666667in"}

**Provided by the Office of\
Ranking Member\
Senator Michael B. Enzi\
of the HELP Committee**

**Prepared January 2008**

Introduction

***Dear Colleague:***

***In an effort to include everyone who comes to visit the nation's
Capitol or our home offices in our daily dialogue, we must accommodate a
wide variety of individuals who have accessibility needs. This may
include someone who uses a wheelchair, has a hearing problem or has
difficulty seeing. Ensuring our ability to interact and assist them
requires that we are prepared in advance to meet their needs with
everything from the appropriate language and basic etiquette, to
ensuring they are included in our emergency preparedness plans and
provided for in our accessible room designs.***

***This manual will help you prepare for visitors who would be very
appreciative of the time and attention your office and your staff can
provide to better assist them and to ensure that they are as comfortable
as possible.***

***I hope the material contained in this manual will be a valuable
resource for the Senate family and will provide a starting point for the
New Year for your own efforts to ensure the needs of your guests and
visitors are addressed.***

> *Sincerely,*
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="3.7263888888888888in" height="0.80625in"}

*\*This is not a legal document and does not purport to give legal
advice or impose legal obligations. To the extent any suggestions in
these Guidelines are inconsistent with any procedures the U.S. Capitol
Police (USCP), the Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness (OSEP),
Congressional Special Services (CSS), or other similar congressional
entities establish, the procedures established by those entities are
controlling.*

**Table of Contents**

Basic
Accessibility.......................................................4

Emergency Procedures.................................................7

Etiquette...................................................................9

Language...............\................................................\...11

Alternative Formatting................................................12

Physical
Accessibility.................................................14

Accessible Hearing Rooms........................................\...16

Communication Accessibility....................................\...17

Enrichment and Training..........................................\...18

Accessible
Directions..................................................19

References...............................................................23

Acknowledgements...................................................25

**Basic Accessibility**

*Do not assume you know what the individual wants. Always ask and
provide options. Below are some of the most viable options for a variety
of situations:*

**Accessible Touring and Parking:**

-   Tours are provided by Congressional Special Services Office (CSSO)
    (202-224-4048) or the CSSO staff will assist in making your tour
    more accessible to all.

    -   Access the website by browsing the Senate's Homepage, Webster
        <http://webster.senate.gov/> . From Webster click on the
        "Sergeant at Arms" tab and then select "Accessibility Services."
        Do not hesitate to call with questions.

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-   The difference? CSSO tours are more descriptive and could be optimal
    for people with disabilities.

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-   Accessible touring brochure titled "Washington Highlights" is
    available from CSSO.

-   If constituents or large groups have mobility impairments preventing
    easy travel from Union Station, Garfield Circle or Peace Circle,
    vehicles such as vans, cars, etc. can be requested from Sergeant at
    Arms to transport individuals into the Senate Perimeter. 

    -   Access the website by browsing the Senate's Homepage, Webster
        <http://webster.senate.gov/> . From Webster click on the
        "Sergeant at Arms" tab and then select "Special Accommodations
        Access."

**Accessible Entrances and Restrooms:**

-   See information beginning on page 19.

-   Staff should know where the closest accessible restrooms are in
    relation to the office

**Wheelchair Loans:**

-   Loans are available for both staff and constituents from
    Congressional Special Services.

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-   Must be full time staff or bring a photocopy of a full time staff
    member's ID.

**Options** **for Individuals who are Hard of Hearing:**

-   Assistive listening devices are designed to increase sound in many
    listening situations. Can be used in a large meeting, during a tour,
    or at a hearing and can be borrowed from Congressional Special
    Services.

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-   FM Systems -- For individuals without a hearing aide or a hearing
    aid with a "T" (for telephone) frequency switch, these systems can
    be borrowed from Congressional Special Services.

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-   Induction Loop Hearing -- For individuals with a hearing aide that
    is "T" frequency enabled. This option is available both in the HELP
    Committee hearing room (SD-430) and in Gallery #6 of the Senate
    galleries. For more information contact the Architect of the Capitol
    (202-228-1793, [http://www.aoc.gov/](http://www.aoc.gov/  ) )

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-   Dave Bass (202-224-4979) of the Sergeant At Arm's Recording Studio
    could help you understand how television broadcasts of Senate
    activities and committee hearings are made accessible to persons
    with hearing impairments through the use of Real Time Captioning. 
    The Architect of the Capitol, however, is responsible for ensuring
    that committee rooms are wired for persons using T-coil hearing
    aids.

**Options for Individuals who are Deaf:**

-   Interpreters are available for official Congressional business,
    including staff meetings, press conferences, instructional classes,
    job interviews, etc. Interpreters are available for witnesses, but
    not for public attendees, at hearings. A form to schedule an
    interpreter can be obtained online at Congressional Special Services
    or in the appendix, but please make requests at least 7 days in
    advance in all possible instances.

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-   Teletypewriter (TTY): Both training and support are offered by
    Congressional Special Services. Congressional Special Services also
    offers monthly functionality checks if requested by an office.

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-   Video Relay Interpreting services are available through the
    Congressional Special Services as well as through the Federal Relay
    Services (FRS) (800-877-8339,
    [www.gsa.gov/frs](http://www.gsa.gov/frs)) to allow Federal
    employees with disabilities equal communication access.

-   Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services are
    available in the community. Contact Congressional Special Services
    (202-224-4048) for providers in the DC area.

**Options for Individuals with Low Vision or who are Blind:**

-   Tactile Displays -- These displays of Capitol Hill and the
    surrounding area can be very helpful. Locations are: The Crypt of
    the Capitol, 1^st^ floor Hart adjacent to the Disbursing Office, and
    Rayburn at the South Capitol entrance.

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-   Be sure to ask if the person prefers Braille. Many people no longer
    learn Braille.

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-   Alternative Formats -- All brochures, maps and resource material are
    available from Congressional Special Services in Braille, large
    print, E-text, and American Standard Code for Information
    Interchange (ASCII). Remember to ask what is needed by the person
    with the disability. Someone who is blind or has low vision does not
    necessarily read Braille.

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-   Conversion -- To have a document converted to braille take it to
    Printing and Graphics (SD-G82, 202-224-6138). Please allow for
    approximately 1 week to obtain Brailled materials.

**Accommodations Requests:**

-   For help determining and fulfilling reasonable accommodations for an
    employee or intern, consult with Jean Manning, Senate Chief Counsel
    for Employment (202-224-5424).

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-   To request technical assistive equipment for employees/interns of
    Senate offices or committees contact Jean McComish in the Human
    Resources Department of the Office of the Sergeant at Arms (SAA)
    (SH-142, 202-224-2889).

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-   For physical accessibility to Senate office buildings contact Takis
    Tzamaras (202-224-2021) in the office of Architect of the Capitol
    (AOC).

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-   Necessary furniture accommodations and ergonomic assessments are
    also provided by the Architect of the Capitol. Consult with the
    Superintendent\'s Furniture Division (202-224-1213).

-   For further consultation on reasonable accommodations for employees
    with disabilities please visit this (<http://www.dol.gov/odep/>).
    Navigate the Department of Labor's website from this link by
    clicking on "Employer." On the left hand side of the new screen
    click "Employing People with Disabilities." From there, select
    "Accommodations."

**Emergency Procedures**

*Evacuating staff members and/or visitors with mobility impairments
poses unique challenges in any work environment. It is particularly
difficult at the Senate because of the large number of visitors who may
be in our buildings at any given time. Staff and individuals with
mobility impairments must be familiar with specialized evacuation
procedures. Within one week of hiring new staff or to accommodate
visitors the office manager should contact the Office of Security and
Emergency Preparedness (202-228-6737) regarding further procedures and a
staff briefing.*

**Prior to an Evacuation**

-   Evacuations are typically ordered with little or no warning. It is
    nearly impossible to predict what your exact location will be when
    the evacuation is initiated, therefore familiarize yourself with the
    locations of Emergency Evacuation Elevators/Emergency Staging Areas
    throughout the Capitol, Senate Office Buildings, and Postal Square.

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-   Make sure that emergency evacuation procedures are posted in each
    office suite in areas accessible to staff and visitors. The exit
    route and location of the emergency evacuation staging areas within
    the building should be readily available to visitors as well as
    staff.

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-   Designated elevators are marked with Emergency Primary Staging Area
    placards. Emergency Evacuation Elevators must have smoke detectors
    as well as backup power.

-   It is important to practice a run-through procedure with your staff
    so they will be prepared in advance of an emergency situation.

**Evacuation Elevator Procedures**

-   One elevator in each building has been designated as the Emergency
    Evacuation Staging Area and Elevator. A secondary staging area is
    also designated.

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-   Capitol Police will take control of the elevator using special keys
    and starting at the building's highest floor, the officer will stop
    the elevator on every floor and look for individuals waiting at the
    Emergency Staging Areas.

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-   Most Emergency Evacuation Elevators are freight elevators with the
    capability to hold more persons than normal passenger elevators, and
    all are on a generator system that will provide backup power if
    necessary.

**Evacuation Checklist: For Employees with Mobility Impairments**

When you hear the alarm sound:

1.  Locate your evacuation partner (volunteer who assists those with
    disabilities).

2.  Take your VRU (Victim Rescue Unit) Plus package and wireless
    emergency annunciator/pager.

3.  Move with your partner toward the closest designated Emergency
    Evacuation Elevator.

4.  If the nearest Emergency Evacuation Elevator/Emergency Staging Area
    is inaccessible, listen for guidance regarding the use of alternate
    elevators from United States Capitol Police (USCP).

5.  You may don your VRU Plus anytime you feel threatened by smoke;
    however, remember your best option is to relocate away from the
    threat.

6.  Wait for the USCP officer to arrive; if needed, have your buddy
    assist you onto the Emergency Evacuation Elevator.

7.  Once on the elevator, the officer will take you to the building's
    exit floor where you can safely leave the building and report to
    your office assembly area.

**Evacuation Checklist: For Visitors with Mobility Impairments**

When you hear the alarm sound:

1.  Provide your visitor with a VRU and move to the closest designated
    Emergency Evacuation Elevator.

2.  If the nearest Emergency Evacuation Elevator/Emergency Staging Area
    is inaccessible, listen for guidance regarding the use of alternate
    elevators from USCP.

3.  You may don your VRU Plus anytime you feel threatened by smoke;
    however, remember your best option is to relocate away from the
    threat.

4.  Wait for the USCP officer to arrive; if needed, have your buddy
    assist you onto the Emergency Evacuation Elevator.

5.  Once on the elevator, the officer will take you to the building's
    exit floor where you can safely leave the building and report to
    your office assembly area.

**Etiquette**

*It is important to maintain decorum and courtesy when interacting with
people with disabilities. Below are a few important guidelines to keep
in mind whether the person with a disability is a colleague,
constituent, or visitor.*

**General:**

-   Remember that people with disabilities are aware of what they can
    and cannot do. Leave this determination to them.

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-   Always offer assistance before assisting. When assisting, ask for
    instruction and clarify what kind of assistance the person wants and
    needs.

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-   Respect all assistive devices (i.e. canes, wheelchairs, crutches,
    communication boards, service dogs, etc.) as personal property.
    Unless given specific and explicit permission, do not move or touch
    them.

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-   Refrain from commenting on the user\'s ability to operate or use the
    assistive device.

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-   Always direct your communication to the individual with a disability
    (for example a deaf individual using a translator.) If a person is
    accompanied, do not direct your comments to the companion.

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-   Use a typical speaking tone and style. If a louder voice is
    necessary, the person will ask you to do so.

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-   Address people with disabilities by their first names only when
    extending the same familiarity to all others.

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-   Remember that people with disabilities are interested in the same
    topics of conversation as people who do not have disabilities.

**When Providing Accommodations:** (for example, setting up meetings)

-   Make it easy to ask for and obtain accommodations -- clearly
    indicate verbally and in writing the availability of appropriate
    accommodations and modifications.

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-   Begin by opening a dialogue with the individual to find out what
    needs (if any) exist.

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-   Often people may ask for accommodations without using the word
    "accommodation."

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-   Don't automatically steer people with disabilities to
    disability-only services.

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-   Remember people with disabilities are all very different and that
    accommodations will vary depending on the specific circumstances.

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-   Openness and creativity are important when working with a person
    with a disability in determining appropriate and effective
    accommodations.

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-   Discussions about accommodations should remain private.

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-   Provide many opportunities for feedback from the person with a
    disability.

**For more information regarding proper etiquette in such areas as
interviewing techniques and scheduling meetings please visit:\
**Accessibility Guides accessible by navigating to
<http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/>. Under the headline "Human Development,"
click on "Disability and Health" and from there on the right side of the
page under Topic Contents click on "Accessibility Guidelines"

**Language**

***There are some important ways to talk with and write about a person
with a disability. Keep in mind that if you are unsure of the proper
term, always asks what the individual prefers. The best way to refer to
a person with a disability is always [by name]{.underline}. Below are
some examples:***

+------------------+----------------------------+----------------------+
| **Outdated or    | **Reason**                 | **Proper or          |
| Offensive**      |                            | Accepted**           |
+------------------+----------------------------+----------------------+
| "The" name of    | Does not reflect the       | People with          |
| group (disabled, | individuality, equality,   | disabilities         |
| blind, autistic) | or dignity of people with  |                      |
|                  | disabilities               | Deaf people          |
|                  |                            |                      |
|                  |                            | People who are blind |
|                  |                            |                      |
|                  |                            | People who have low  |
|                  |                            | vision               |
+------------------+----------------------------+----------------------+
| Handicapped      | Disabilities don't         | People with          |
|                  | handicap: attitudes and    | disabilities         |
|                  | architecture handicap      |                      |
+------------------+----------------------------+----------------------+
| Disabled Person  | Put person first, describe | Person with a        |
|                  | what a person is, not what | disability           |
|                  | a person has               |                      |
+------------------+----------------------------+----------------------+
| Normal, healthy, | Implies that a person with | Non-disabled         |
| whole,           | a disability isn't normal  |                      |
| able-bodied      |                            | Person without a     |
| (when speaking   |                            | disability           |
| of the           |                            |                      |
| non-disabled)    |                            |                      |
+------------------+----------------------------+----------------------+
| Hearing impaired | Negative connotation of    | Deaf                 |
|                  | impaired                   |                      |
|                  |                            | Hard of Hearing      |
+------------------+----------------------------+----------------------+
| W                | Wheelchairs don't confine, | Uses a wheelchair,   |
| heelchair-bound, | they make people mobile    | wheelchair user      |
| confined         |                            |                      |
+------------------+----------------------------+----------------------+
| Retarded,        | Stigmatizing. Implies that | Cognitive            |
| Mentally         | a person cannot learn      | disability,          |
| Defective,       |                            | developmental        |
| Simple, Slow     |                            | disability,          |
|                  |                            | intellectual         |
|                  |                            | disability           |
+------------------+----------------------------+----------------------+
| Midget           | Considered offensive       | Person of short      |
|                  |                            | stature              |
+------------------+----------------------------+----------------------+
| Cripple,         | Dehumanizing               | Has a disability,    |
| Crippled         |                            | physical disability, |
|                  |                            | mobility challenged  |
+------------------+----------------------------+----------------------+
| Suffers from     | Negative connotation of    | Has a disability     |
|                  | suffers                    |                      |
+------------------+----------------------------+----------------------+
| Admits she has a | Disability is not          | Says she/he has a    |
| disability       | something people admit to  | disability           |
|                  | or needs to be admitted to |                      |
+------------------+----------------------------+----------------------+

**For an additional reference on people first language please visit:**

[http://www.dol.gov](http://www.dol.gov/) To navigate to this website go
to Labor's main website and go to the list of agencies on the left hand
side and click on "ODEP". Then go to the right side of the screen and
click on "Publications". Under factsheets click on "Disability and
Workplace Culture" and then click on Effective Interaction:
Communicating With and About People with Disabilities in the Workplace.

**Alternative Formatting**

*When developing materials please be aware alternative formats may be
necessary and should be available. Guidelines for preparing alternative
formats are as follows:*

**PDF**

-   PDF format should not be used as it cannot be accessed by people who
    use screen readers.

**Websites**

-   An accessible website can be perceived, navigated, utilized (with a
    keyboard or devices other than a mouse), and easily understood (even
    in attention-poor situations).

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-   For more information on assuring accessibility in such situations
    visit: Accessibility Guides accessible by navigating
    <http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/>. Under the headline "Human
    Development," click on "Disability and Health" and from there on the
    right side of the page under Topic Contents click on "Accessibility
    Guidelines"

**Large Print**

-   Print on single-sided 8.5x11" paper, stapled at top left corner.

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-   Use letter format.

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-   At a minimum use 18 pt fonts for all text. Larger fonts may be used
    for headings.

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-   Double-space lines and left justify all paragraphs.

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-   Keep 1" margins on all sides.

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-   Use bold serif font (Times New Roman) for body text and a bold
    simple non-serif font (Arial) for headings and other information
    that is set apart from body text.

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-   Make lines thick/heavy in charts and graphs.

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-   Use underlining for emphasis instead of italics.

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-   Do not use columns, bullets, decorative graphics, or boxed text.

**Braille** (Many people do not read braille, it is good to also offer a
copy on a CD-Rom)

-   To have a document converted to braille, take it to Printing and
    Graphics (SD-G82, 202-224-6138). Please allow one week for
    conversion.

**American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII)**

-   These are files with special commands to indicate formatting
    information. ASCII format is the same as txt file format or notepad
    format. Using Notepad program to do word processing will by default
    give you a document in ASCII format or txt format. ASCII is used as
    opposed to MSWord documents or WordPerfect files.

**PowerPoint**

-   PowerPoint presentations can be attractive, entertaining, and
    informative without flashing animation in contrasting colors.

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-   Include a detailed explanation of the meaning of any charts or
    graphics used in the "Notes" section of all presentations. In
    addition, when presenting, take a moment to describe the visual
    message.

> **Physical Accessibility**

*It is also important to maintain a proactive approach to accommodating
people with disabilities and not simply provide such services when
requested. Physical barriers should be considered in the effort to
prevent discrimination on the basis of disability. The following
checklist should help to determine areas that need improvement and
should be kept on hand about the building and in the office.*

**Accessible Route**

-   What is the route of travel that does not require the use of stairs?

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-   Is the route of travel stable, firm, and slip-resistant?

-   Can all objects protruding into the circulation paths be detected by
    a person with a visual disability using a cane? (Must be within 27
    inches of the ground or must be higher than 80 inches; for example:
    state flag poles, shelves, fire extinguishers, boxes, furniture)

-   Is there a 5-foot circle to T-shaped space for turning a wheelchair
    completely in office entry ways and conference rooms?

**Entrance**

-   Does the entrance door have at least 32 inches clear opening?

-   Is there at least 18 inches of clear space on the pull side of the
    door, next to the handle?

-   If provided, are carpeting or mats no more than ½ - inch high?

-   Is the door handle no higher than 48 inches and operable with a
    closed fist? Can the door be opened or operated with a closed fist?

-   Can doors be opened without too much force? Offices must provide
    staff who can open the door upon request.

-   If the door has a closer, does it take at least 3 seconds to close?

**Seating**

-   Are the aisles between fixed seating (other than assembly area
    seating) at least 36 inches wide (44" is preferred)?

-   Are the spaces for wheelchair seating distributed throughout the
    assembly area?

-   Are the tops of tables or counters between 28 and 34 inches high?

-   Are knee spaces at accessible tables at least 27 inches high, 30
    inches wide, and 19 inches deep?

-   Are there accessible seats dispersed throughout the room rather than
    only seats in the front and back?

**Additional**

-   Are URL approved extension cords and tape on hand if use of an
    outlet is required? (Extensions cords may not be used for more than
    90 days and cannot be chained together.  If your office needs
    electrical distribution on a more permanent basis, you may use a
    multi-strip surge protector.)

-   Is there an accommodation for possible service animals/guide dogs?

**Accessible Hearing Rooms**

*Below is a checklist for executive sessions, hearings, and public
meetings conducted by Committees to help ensure access and participation
of persons with disabilities.*

\_\_\_\_\_ Have accommodations been requested? Examples include:

\_\_\_\_ Interpreter (needs to be requested 1 week in advance)

\_\_\_\_ Real time captioning

\_\_\_\_ Braille

\_\_\_\_ Floppy & CD copies of all materials in Rich Text Format (RTF)

\_\_\_\_ Large print of all materials

\_\_\_\_ Listening device

\_\_\_\_ Other

\_\_\_\_\_ Is the room accessible for attendees and witnesses who use
wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, etc? Do not place persons in
wheelchairs, or those who use walkers or service animals on the fringes
or in a "special area."

\_\_\_\_\_ Is there reserved seating in the front for someone who has
low vision or

who is deaf to see the real-time captioning or the interpreter?

**Basic Example:**

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**Communication Accessibility**

*Communication barriers should be considered in the effort to prevent
discrimination on the basis of disability.*

**Interpreters:** It is the obligation of the Committee or the Senate
office to pay for communications accommodations for constituents.
Congressional Special Services can help the Committees by providing
lists of names and other providers in addition to the following. If an
interpreter is required, there are several options, but be sure to
provide one week notice. Please be aware that outside communication
accommodations services should be certified and must be paid with office
budget.

The Congressional Special Services Office (202-224-4048) can also
provide a list of local interpreting service providers for state and
district offices.

**Gallaudet Interpreting Services (GIS)**

Ph: (202) 651-5199

URL: <http://gis.gallaudet.edu/>

**Sign Language Associates (SLA)**

Ph: (301) 946-9710

URL: <http://www.signlanguage.com/>

**Visual Language Interpreting (VLI)**

Ph: (202) 464-6800

URL: <http://www.vli-dc.com/>

**Partners in Sign**

Ph: (202) 638-5630

URL: <http://www.pinsdc.com/>

**Enrichment and Training**

*Any office that wants its mangers to receive training on the Americans
with Disabilities Act ("ADA") should contact the Office of the Senate
Chief Counsel for Employment at (202) 224-5424.*

*For class dates, times, and locations for the following trainings,
contact the Office of Education and Training at (202) 224-7628 or online
through Webster <http://webster.senate.gov/> by clicking on "Sergeant at
Arms" then clicking on "E-H" then click on "Education and Training."*

> **Communicating with Constituents with Disabilities**
>
> Is your office equipped to communicate with and/or assist constituents
> with disabilities? Statistics show that one in five Americans will
> have a disability at some point in their life. Do you know what to do
> if someone who is deaf or blind walks in the door? Congressional
> Special Services will conduct a one-hour program on increasing
> awareness and encouraging accessibility to Congress, as well as
> communicating with individuals with disabilities. This includes
> language use and the choice of words, sign language interpreters and
> other communication aids, accessible tours for constituents, and TTY
> phone information.
>
> **TTY/TDD -- Teletypewriter/Telecommunication Device for the Deaf**
>
> Most Senate offices have a TTY/TDD. Did you know that this machine is
> a telephone that is used by people who are deaf, hard of hearing or
> have speech disabilities? Does your office have one? Do you know where
> it is? Do you and your colleagues know the purpose and correct usage
> of this machine? This course will discuss the mechanics of the machine
> and proper etiquette and terminology while using it.
>
> **Emergency Planning Seminar for Staff with Disabilities**
>
> For years, staffers with disabilities have succeeded in creating and
> implementing emergency procedures designed to make everyone's life
> safer and easier. At this seminar, participants will learn about best
> practices and protective actions on emergency preparedness and
> planning procedures at the Senate for persons with disabilities. A
> special emphasis will be placed on evacuation procedures and available
> equipment for use during emergencies.

Accessible Directions

**Accessible Route to the Hart Senate Building**

**From Union Station Metro Station (Red Line)**

1.  Exit the metro and take the elevator to the street level. (If
    elevator is out of order exit on 1^st^ St NW, turn left, and travel
    up the hill. In that instance skip to Step 5.)

2.  Pass through the metro toll and take a second set of elevators to
    the Mezzanine (M) level.  (If elevator is out of order exit on 1^st^
    St NW, turn left, and travel up the hill.  In that instance skip to
    Step 5.)

3.  Follow the corridor to the right, passing through the automatic
    doors into Union Station.

4.  Travel straight and exit Union Station through the automatic doors,
    passing the escalators for the metro.

5.  Turn left and travel East down the outdoor corridor in front of
    Union Station, towards the Thurgood Marshall Federal Building,
    crossing Columbus Circle.

6.  Turn left on Massachusetts Ave. NE and travel to 2^nd^ Street NE.

7.  Turn right on 2^nd^ Street NE and continue traveling.

8.  Midway on the block between C Street NE and Constitution Ave, turn
    right and use the accessible entrance on 2^nd^ Street NE to enter
    the Hart Senate Office Building.

**Accessible Route to the Russell Senate Office Building**

**From Union Station Metro Station (Red Line)**

1.  Exit the metro and take the elevator to the street level. (If
    elevator is out of order exit on 1^st^ St NW, turn left, and travel
    up the hill. In that instance skip to step 4.)

2.  Pass through the metro toll and take a second set of elevators to
    the Mezzanine (M) level.  (If elevator is out of order exit on 1^st^
    St NW, turn left, and travel up the hill.  In that instance skip to
    step 5.)

3.  Follow the corridor to the right, passing through the automatic
    doors into Union Station.

4.  Travel straight and exit Union Station through the automatic doors,
    passing the escalators for the metro.

5.  Turn right crossing 1^st^ St NW, heading towards the Postal Museum.

6.  Travel in a semi-circular path, crossing Massachusetts Ave. NW, E
    Street NW, and Louisiana Avenue.

7.  Cross and then turn right on Delaware Avenue and continue traveling.

8.  Near the end of the block between C Street NE and Constitution Ave,
    turn left and use the accessible entrance on Delaware Avenue to
    enter the Russell Senate Office Building.

**Accessible Route to the Dirksen Senate Office Building**

**From Union Station Metro Station (Red Line)**

1.  Follow accessible route to the Russell Senate Building from Union
    Station Metro Station steps 1-7.

2.  Cross and then turn left traveling East on C Street NE.

3.  Cross 1^st^ St NE and use the accessible entrance on 1^st^ St NE to
    enter the Dirksen Senate Office Building

**Accessible Route to the US Capitol From**

**Union Station Metro Station (Red Line)**

4.  Follow accessible route to the Russell Senate Building from Union
    Station Metro Station steps 1-7. Then continue on Delaware Avenue
    past the Russell Building.

5.  Cross Constitution Ave, continue to the Capitol and enter the US
    Capitol through the Visitors Building at the North door entrance.

**Accessible Route to the Cannon House Building**

**From Capitol South Metro Station (Orange and Blue Lines)**

1.  Take the elevator from the track to the Mezzanine level.

2.  Pass through the metro toll and turn left taking a second set of
    elevators to the street level.

3.  Exit the elevator and turn left traveling east to the corner of
    1^st^ St SE and D St SE.

4.  Turn left and travel one block to the corner of 1^st^ St SE and C St
    SE.

5.  Cross C St SE and turn left traveling West to the corner of C St SE
    and New Jersey Avenue SE.

6.  Turn right and travel North on New Jersey Avenue SE ½ of the block,
    turn right and use the accessible entrance on New Jersey Avenue SE
    to enter the Cannon House Office Building.

**Accessible Route to the Longworth House Building**

**From Capitol South Metro Station (Orange and Blue Lines)**

1.  Follow accessible route to the Cannon House Office Building from
    Capitol South Metro Station steps 1-5.

2.  Cross New Jersey Avenue SE and turn right traveling North to the
    corner of New Jersey Avenue SE and Independence Avenue SE.

3.  Turn left onto Independence Avenue SE and use the accessible
    entrance to the left on the corner of Independence Avenue SE and New
    Jersey Avenue SE to enter the Longworth House Office Building.

> OR

1.  Follow accessible route to the Cannon House Office Building from
    Capitol South Metro Station steps 1-5.

2.  Cross New Jersey Avenue SE and travel West to the corner of C St SE
    and Capitol South Avenue SE.

3.  Turn right and travel North on Capitol South Avenue SE ½ of the
    block, turn right and use the accessible entrance on Capitol South
    Avenue SE to enter the Longworth House Office Building.

**Accessible Route to the Rayburn House Building**

**From Capitol South Metro Station (Orange and Blue Lines)**

1.  Follow accessible route to the Cannon House Office Building from
    Capitol South Metro Station steps 1-5.

2.  Cross New Jersey Avenue SE and travel West to the corner of C St SE
    and Capitol South Avenue SE.

3.  Cross Capitol South Avenue SE and turn right traveling North on
    Capitol South Avenue SE.

4.  Travel ½ of the block, turn left and use the accessible entrance on
    Capitol South Avenue SE to enter the Rayburn House Office Building.

**Accessible Route to the US Capitol From**

**From Capitol South Metro Station (Orange and Blue Lines)**

1.  Follow accessible route to the Cannon House Office Building from
    Capitol South Metro Station steps 1-4.

2.  Cross C St SE and travel North to the corner of 1^st^ St SE and
    Independence Avenue SE.

3.  Cross Independence Avenue SE and turn left traveling West to Capitol
    Plaza SE.

4.  Cross Capitol Plaza SE and turn right and travel North.

5.  Cross the causeway and veer to the right going up a small incline.

6.  Pass the guard booth on the left and then turn left to enter the US
    Capitol through the South door entrance.

![](media/image4.png){width="6.388194444444444in"
height="7.531944444444444in"}

**References**

> **Congressional Special Services (CSS)**

Crypt of the US Capitol (1^st^ Floor)

Hrs: M-F 8 am- 4:30 pm

Ph: (202) 224-4048

TTY: (202) 224-4049

Fax: (202) 228-4679

> URL: [Accessibility
> Services](http://webster.senate.gov/saa/services/template01.cfm?serviceid=69)
> access through Webster <http://webster.senate.gov/> by clicking on
> "Sergeant at Arms" then clicking on "Accessibility Services."
>
> **Education and Training**
>
> Ph: (202) 224-7628
>
> URL: [Education and
> Training](http://webster.senate.gov/saa/services/training/index.cfm)
> access through Webster <http://webster.senate.gov/> by clicking on
> "Sergeant at Arms" then clicking on "E-H" then click on "Education and
> Training"
>
> **Printing and Graphics**
>
> SD-G82
>
> Hrs: M-F 7:30am- 11:30pm
>
> Ph: (202) 224-6138
>
> URL: [Printing and
> Graphics](http://webster.senate.gov/saa/services/template01.cfm?serviceid=307)
> access through Webster <http://webster.senate.gov/> by clicking on
> "Sergeant at Arms" then clicking on "E-H" then click on "Graphics"
>
> **Capitol Police**
>
> 119 D Street
>
> Ph: (202) 224-0908
>
> URL: [Capitol
> Police](http://webster.senate.gov/saa/services/template01.cfm?serviceid=312)
> access through Webster <http://webster.senate.gov/> by clicking on
> "Sergeant at Arms" then clicking on "Capitol Police"
>
> **Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness (OSEP)**
>
> Postal Square, 6^th^ Floor
>
> Ph: (202) 228-6737 (8-OSEP)
>
> URL: [Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness
> (OSEP)](http://webster.senate.gov/saa/services/osep/index.cfm) access
> through Webster <http://webster.senate.gov/> by clicking on "Sergeant
> at Arms" then clicking on "M-P" then click on "Office of Security and
> Emergency Preparedness"
>
> **Senate Recording Studio**
>
> SC-5
>
> Ph: (202) 224-6929
>
> URL: [Audio
> Services](http://webster.senate.gov/saa/services/template01.cfm?serviceid=144)
> access through Webster <http://webster.senate.gov/> by clicking on
> "Sergeant at Arms" then clicking on "Audio Services"
>
> **Architect of the Capitol**
>
> SB-15 Capitol
>
> Ph: (202) 228-1793
>
> URL: <http://www.aoc.gov/> access through Webster
>
> <http://webster.senate.gov/> by clicking "Architect of the Capitol"

**    Office of Senate Chief Counsel for Employment**

            103 Hart Senate Office Building

            Ph:   (202) 224-5424

> **Senator Enzi and his staff wish to thank the following organizations
> who provided information and helpful insight for this Manual:**

American Council of the Blind

Architect of the Capitol

Association of University Centers on Disabilities

Brain Injury Association of America

Congressional Special Services

Easter Seals

Epilepsy Foundation

Gallaudet University

Goodwill Industries International

Institute for Educational Leadership

Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

National Federation of the Blind

Office of Compliance

Sergeant at Arms

Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc.

The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy Disability Policy Collaboration

United Spinal Association

Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council