ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments

C. Who should conduct the survey?

While it is possible for a single individual to survey facilities for accessibility, most people find it easier to conduct surveys while working in teams of two or three. A team approach can be more efficient because it allows team members to assume different roles. For example, one surveyor can take notes and complete forms while another surveyor is obtaining measurements and taking photos. If the survey is conducted by a three-person team, the third team member can take the photographs or read aloud the survey instructions in Appendix 2.

Like the director of a movie, the person filling out the survey forms generally leads the accessibility survey, which should proceed in the same order as the questions appear on the form. To make sure all questions are answered, the surveyor taking notes should read the question out loud so that the surveyor taking measurements will know what data is needed. Then the surveyor taking measurements can check the survey instructions to see how the measurement should be taken, obtain the measurement, and announce it to the note-taker, who can then record the data on the form.

The note-taking role and the measurement-taking role require different skills. The person recording data on the survey form needs to be detail conscious, ensuring that all the questions are answered, all the data is recorded accurately, and all the answers are legible. Taking measurements, on the other hand, can be more physically demanding than taking notes because it requires frequent stretching, bending, and stooping. In addition, the person taking photographs needs to know how to use the camera and be able to take clear photographs. When assembling a survey team, it is helpful to match these different skills to the relative strengths of the team members.

Being familiar with the contents of the survey forms and instructions is the best way to ensure that the survey proceeds smoothly. Surveyors will naturally gain familiarity with the materials by going out and surveying with them, but it is a good idea to review the forms and instructions before conducting the survey. Knowledge of the materials will enable the surveyors to quickly establish a good pace and rhythm for the survey.