ACCESSIBILITY

The historic Ohio Statehouse was designed and built prior to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). During the restoration of the 1990s, the Capitol Square (CS) was restored to allow for greater access by individuals living with disabilities.

The Ohio Statehouse is handicapped accessible and senior friendly. The Statehouse allows people with disabilities to explore the history of the "People's House" through a variety of accessible programs.

Accessible Entrance and Parking

There are designated barrier-free Ohio Statehouse entrances. Accessible entrances are located:
*East side of the CS on Third Street
*Underground Parking Garage South Sliders


There is approved accessible parking, for vehicles displaying the appropriate disability permits, located on every level in the Ohio Statehouse parking garage. Garage entrances are on Broad, Third and State Streets. Vehicles displaying the appropriate disability permits can access the parking facility even when it is "full."

There is also a drop-off area located on the east side of the Capitol Square complex on Third Street. This area allows for a driver to drop off a passenger directly in front of an accessible entrance to the Ohio Statehouse without paying the parking fees. There are ramps on either side of the Veterans Plaza for wheelchair accessbility. 

The Ohio Statehouse is also equipped with accessible doors, restrooms and drinking fountains. All of the public spaces are barrier-free.

Accessible Programs

Accessible programs help people with disabilities enjoy their visit to the Ohio Statehouse and learn about the history of the building and to participate in the legislative process. The majority of public programs and events are held in accessible and barrier free areas of the building so that everyone can participate. During tours that take visitors to non-accessible areas of the building, a video version of that tour will be available upon request.

Accessible Tours

Several tours are offered that take into consideration the characteristics of a wide variety of disabilities. These tours are led by specially trained guides and include:

Daily Guided Tours

Free guided tours are offered weekdays on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekends from noon to 3 p.m. Trained tour guides will lead tours through an accessible route of the CS. 

Specially Tailored Tours

These tours are available by prearrangement for individuals or groups from the mental health community as well as others with special needs. Themed tours are developed around the needs and interests of the participants and can focus on any aspect of the Ohio Statehouse, with appropriate touchable and visual materials to supplement descriptions and discussions.

Self-Guided Audio Tours

Visitors may tour the Statehouse on their own anytime the Capitol is open to the public with their own cell phones. Self-guided tour brochures with phone numbers are available in the Map Room. Each recorded message describes a different room, art work or monument on Capitol Square.  

Videos Available

Video tours present the opportunity to learn more about the Ohio Statehouse and its artwork and artifacts. The free videos are available on this website. Sign Language Interpreted Tours: Tours of the Ohio Statehouse are available. Please allow three weeks for arrangements to be completed for individuals or groups who are deaf or hearing impaired. Printed scripts of audio tours may be available by request.

Charging Stations

Wheelchair charging stations are available to the public in two locations.  One is in the South Penthouse at the corner of State and High Streets.  Inside the Ohio Statehouse, a wheelchair charging station is accessible in the ground floor Map Room between the coat room and restrooms. There is no fee to use the charging stations.

Ohio Statehouse Website

The Ohio Statehouse website, ohiostatehouse.org, has accessible features built into the web pages, allowing it to be more convenient and more available to everyone. One way is to use the icon in the lower corner.

Large Print

You may request large-print copies of all our print materials, including the self-guided tour brochure and event programs, by contacting the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB).

For information about large-print materials, visual description (on guided tours for visitors who are blind or visually impaired), sign language interpreters, print scripts or to arrange for braille materials to be created, please contact the CSRAB. Please allow three weeks for arrangements to be completed.

For more information, please contact the CSRAB by phone at 614-752-9777 or TTY, through the Ohio Relay Service at 800-750-0750, or by fax at 614-752-5209.

Assistive Listening Devices

Visitors may borrow an assistive listening device for use during meetings in the committee rooms, the Chamber of the House of Representatives or the Senate Chamber.  The devices are on a table in each committee room.  Look for the ADA sign,

and choose the device that best works for you. Neck loop transmitters or over the ear transmitters are available. Visitors with T-coil equipped Hearing Aids are compatible with our personal neck loop transmitters.

Should you need assistance during a legislative hearing or session, contact the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms at 614-466-3878 or the office of the Clerk of the House at 614-466-3357.  

Relay Service at 800-750-0750, or by fax at 614-752-5209.

Universal Changing Table

In the north east corner of the Map Room on the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse, a Lactation Room is available to the public.  The private room is equipped with a universal changing table which may be useful for adults and for children. It can accommodate people up to 400 pounds.

For more information, please contact the CSRAB by phone at 614-752-9777.