Navigator organizations that are conducting outreach to inform members of their communities about the availability of health insurance through the Marketplace are required by federal disability rights laws to ensure that their activities are accessible to people with disabilities. For example, locations where workshops or meetings are held to discuss the Marketplace with the public or constituents should be physically accessible. Similarly, when Navigators counsel individuals face-to-face about their insurance options and assist them to enroll in healthcare coverage through the Marketplace, accessible physical locations where these activities take place are required. Practically speaking, at a minimum this means:
- If parking is provided, wheelchair accessible parking should be available
- A level entrance into the facility
- An accessible path within the facility and to any microphone stands that participants can use to ask questions
- An elevator if meetings are held in rooms above the first floor
- Wheelchair accessible restroom facilities that are close by
- Signage indicating where accessible facilities are located
- Tactile signage such as raised lettering and Braille labels in locations such as elevators, and indicating the location of facilities such as restrooms, meeting rooms, and other facility functions and services
(See Resources for additional information on accessibility requirements.)