# Accessibility Observations

Part of the Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/disabilities-awareness/guide/index.md)

*4. Accessibility Audits*

> **4.** Do ONE of the following options:

This requirement asks you to become a detective. You will visit two locations you already know — your school, your place of worship, a Scouting event, or a public attraction — and look at them with fresh eyes. Instead of just walking through the door, you will evaluate how well these places serve people with disabilities.

You have **two options** to choose from:

- **[Option A — Visible Accessibility](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/disabilities-awareness/guide/req4-option-a/):** Focus on physical accessibility for people with visible disabilities (mobility, vision, hearing). Look for ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, signage, and other features.

- **[Option B — Invisible Disability Accommodations](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/disabilities-awareness/guide/req4-option-b/):** Focus on accommodations for people with invisible disabilities (chronic pain, anxiety, sensory processing, learning differences). Look for quiet spaces, sensory accommodations, flexible seating, and staff training.

Both options ask you to visit **two** of the same four types of locations:

1. Your school
2. Your place of worship
3. A Scouting event or campsite
4. A public exhibit or attraction (theater, museum, or park)

> **Tip**
>
> Pick the option that interests you more — but consider choosing Option B if you want a challenge. Invisible disability accommodations are harder to spot, which makes the exercise more eye-opening. Either way, you will learn to see the built environment differently.

![A Scout standing at a building entrance with a clipboard, evaluating the accessibility of a ramp and stairs side by side](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/disabilities-awareness/guide/accessibility-audit-clipboard?v=35902b75)

For both options, you will need to note **five things that could be improved** and **five things that are already done well** at each location. That means looking carefully at both the positives and the negatives — most places get some things right and other things wrong.

Choose your option and dive in:

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- Previous: [Personal Experiences](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/disabilities-awareness/guide/req3/index.md)
- Next: [Req 4 Option A — Visible Accessibility](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/disabilities-awareness/guide/req4-option-a/index.md)