We are an accessible industrial arts center and educational organization in Providence, RI. We teach and practice the arts of blacksmithing, welding, ceramics, jewelry and the foundry arts, and host community events. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality educational, cultural and professional programs, and are intent on creating a facility that can support local needs.

We encourage community members to give us feedback about facilities, equipment and programs, as part of our commitment to all of our studios being accessible. Please reference this guide for information about our accommodations and contact us at events@thesteelyard.org if you have any further questions about participating in activities.

Table of Contents

• Getting Around
• Parking & Transportation
• Restrooms
• Studio & ProgramAccessibility Features
  • Ceramics
  • Jewelry
  • Welding
  • Blacksmithing
• Outdoor Campus Events
• Service Animals
• Tours & Special Accommodations

There are reserved accessible parking spaces available on campus, in front of the studio building, as well as plentiful street parking surrounding the office building on 27 Sims Avenue.

Via RIPTA Buses: Get off at the RIPTA bus stop on Atwells Avenue before Harris Avenue. Take Harris Ave one block and then turn on left onto Sims Avenue. The Steel Yard’s main barrier free entrance is located on Sims Ave. For schedule information, contact RIPTA at 401-781-9400 or for customer service use 401-784-9500, ext. 2012, or ripta.com

There are two accessible, all-gender, single-occupancy restrooms available in the studio building. Both restrooms are equipped with grab bars for ease of use, and are reachable via stairs or ramp.

We are continually making efforts to position all equipment to allow wheelchair access through the studio. However, there are areas in the building that are not fully accessible for every kind of disability. For program participants who are hard of hearing there are wireless voice amplifiers available for instructors.

Adjustable ceramic wheel with moveable metal frame for knee clearance. Wheel can accommodate most chairs or it can be used while standing, The foot pedal can be adjusted and operated by a lever.

Jewelry bench designed with enough knee clearance underneath that can accommodate most chairs allowing the user to be close and at eye level to the work area.

Large welding bays available with adjustable curtained walls and welding tables of varying heights no less than 28”and no more than 34” above the floor. Each bay is equipped with hooks for flame retardant blankets. There are also custom plasma and torch cutting tables designed with enough knee clearance underneath that can accommodate most chairs.

Adjustable height anvils.

The Steel Yard hosts a variety of community building events throughout the year. All of our events are 100% wheelchair accessible. Event attendees have access to both a fully ADA accessible portable restroom as well as custom wheelchair-accessible picnic tables.

Officially licensed service animals are welcome in all indoor/outdoor programs. Studio and events can be suddenly loud so the special training a service animal receives is integral to the safety of the animal and our visitors.

Your experience at The Steel Yard is important to us. Advance notice may be necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs. If you have a disability and require special accommodations for any of our programs please contact us to discuss your needs. We encourage everyone to schedule a tour before participating in our programs. To schedule a tour and learn more about accessibility at The Steel Yard please contact our main office at 401-273-7101, or info@thesteelyard.org.

Original 2021 Accessibility Guide was designed by Tim Cox.
Web version transcribed by Asaad Miller.