A Specialized Certification Program
Venue Access Academy
Tools to become optimally effective at providing an accessible, inclusive experience for venue guests — built for the staff and coordinators behind stadiums, arenas, and performing arts centers.
Why It Exists
Equity for the Fastest-Growing Population
The Academy was developed in response to a simple, growing reality: people with disabilities make up the fastest-growing minority population in the world, and greater access for them means greater equity and inclusion for everyone who walks through a venue’s doors.
Venue professionals get access to twenty 1.5–2 hour online classes that also act as dual credit toward an ADA Coordinator Certification through the Great Plains ADA Center.
20 Courses
Build Toward Your Certificate
Complete all 20 courses to earn your Venue Access Academy Certificate. If you’re also pursuing ADA Coordinator Certification, completed classes are reported so dual credit can apply.
1
2010 Standards for Accessible Design – Part 1
Required
2
2010 Standards for Accessible Design – Part 2
Required
3
ADA Self-Evaluations – Part 1
Required
4
ADA Transition Plans – Part 2
Required
5
Role of the Venue ADA Coordinator
Required
6
Title I Guidelines
Required
7
Effective Communication in a Venue Environment
Optional
8
Emergency Preparedness & Security Response to Guests with Disabilities
Optional
9
Reasonable Accommodations – Game-Day Staff: Balancing Staff & Guest Needs
Optional
10
ADA History and Overview
Elective
11
ADA Seating Holds, Relocations & Ticketing Promotion Equity
Elective
12
Behavioral & Learning Related Disabilities
Elective
13
Best Practices in Curbing Seating Fraud
Elective
14
Best Practices in Game Day Staff Training
Elective
15
Cognitive and Behavioral Disabilities
Elective
16
Hearing Loss, Interpreter Placement and More
Elective
17
Mobility Disabilities, Devices and Accommodations
Elective
18
Open Time for Test Preparation
Elective
19
Resource Scavenger Hunt
Elective
20
Service Animals: Policies & Best Practices
Elective
21
Accessible Parking
Elective
Required
Required Foundation class
Optional
Optional Foundation class
Elective
Counts as an elective
Flexible Pricing
Choose What Fits Your Team
Every class is $75 on its own — with savings the more you commit to at once.
Single Classes
$75
/class
Perfect if you only need a handful of classes to round out your ACTCP credits.
Best Value
All 20 Classes
$1,250
/person
Sign up for all 20 at once and save $250 off individual pricing — a complete path to your Venue Access Academy Certificate.
Group of 3+
$1,000
/person
Bring three or more people from your organization and pay just $1,000 each — no need to start at the same time.
Pricing covers Venue Access Academy classes only; the ADA Coordinator Certification program (ACTCP) through the Great Plains ADA Center has a separate fee.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do I have to complete the ADACC program?
Once a person registers for the ADACC, they have three years to complete the coursework and take the exam.
2. How many credits do I need to renew my ADACC certificate?
For their first renewal, which is three years from the time you earned the initial certificate, you need 10 credits, then you can renew annually after that and you need 5 credits each year.
3. How is this different from the ADACC program?
ADACC occasionally offers specific Certifications that focus on concentrated areas. This is a new specialty they are offering in order to meet the specific needs of those who work with areas of assembly, such as stadiums, arenas, performing arts centers, etc.
4. Will all 20 classes count towards the ADACC?
Yes, all classes taught through the Venue Access Academy count towards the ADACC. Dr. Nanette has been teaching classes towards and for this program since 2013.
5. Dual Credit: How do I make sure I get credit for both the Venue Access Academy and the ADA Coordinator Certification program?
After you complete each live or online class, you will receive a Certificate of Completion for that class. You’ll be able to upload these into the ADACC portal then get an email from them to confirm that it’s approved.
6. What if I only want to or need to take a few classes to finish my ADACC credits?
You can choose as many classes as you want at $75 each.
7. How much is the entire Venue Access Academy?
At $75 each, 20 classes would be $1500 but is discounted to $1250 if you sign up for all 20 at the same time. It’s discounted again to only $1000 each if you have 3 people signing up together from your organization. They do not have to start the classes at the same time to get this discount. Keep in mind that there is a separate fee for and from the ADACC.
8. Do I have to take a test?
If you are getting your ADA Coordinator Certification, you’ll need to take a test through ADACC. These Venue Access Academy classes, and Dr. Odell, will help prepare you for this test.
9. Is there a timeframe on taking the VAA classes?
Not but once a person registers for the ADACC, they have three years to complete the coursework and take the exam.
10. Do I need to keep taking classes to keep up my ADA Coordinator Certification?
Once you take your classes, are approved to take the test and pass it, you’ll have your ADA Coordinator Certification. You’ll need to complete 10 more credits within 3 years of earning your initial Certificate. You’ll then need 5 credits per year to renew annually.
Life Quest will continue to add classes to the Venue Access Academy to help you achieve these requirements. If you have suggestions for specific topics, please email Nanette@ADALifeQuest.com.
11. How do I Sign up and What’s Next?
-To sign up for the self-paced Venue Access Academy, click here.
-Upload your Certificates of Completion after each class or after all 20.
-Once all classes have been completed, you will receive your Venue Access Academy Certification.
Hear From Dr. Odell
Podcasts & Panels
Dr. Nanette Odell has been a featured voice on venue accessibility, joining panels and podcasts alongside accessibility leaders from major venues nationwide.
Dr. Odell has also been featured in press coverage of ADA anniversaries, including Arizona news coverage of the ADA’s 29th anniversary.
Ready to Start Your Venue Access Academy Journey?
Sign up today, or reach out to Dr. Nanette Odell with any questions about the program.