The main Rotunda itself, including the monumental stairs that lead to it, serves as a concert hall and as lunchroom to hundreds of children each day of the Legislative session. Citizen groups seeking a place to meet on campus during session meet the same challenges as school children. There are few spaces dedicated for public use. Rallies and other activities outside the buildings are often limited as well. There are few spaces designed for visitors and no large gathering spaces free of traffic circulation.
Public access is essential for democracy to work.
Accessibility for people with disabilities is both a legal responsibility and an essential for genuine public participation in government. Limiting access for protective reasons is also a serious responsibility. A full range of access and security levels are called for in any public office building, especially one of this size, importance, and high-use. The Legislative Building today offers too little of one type of accessibility, and too much of another. The building meets the minimum Americans with Disability Act requirements for an existing building but is extremely challenging for the disabled.