The Obama Presidential Center’s Commitment to Accessibility

Explore the Obama Presidential Center’s inclusive design plans

A rendering of the Museum Building is shown from the North.

When open, the Obama Presidential Center will be a one-of-a-kind community-driven campus rooted in inclusivity and innovation. In order to build a campus that welcomes and supports all visitors, Presidential Center designers worked with stakeholders, activists, and experts to create an inclusively designed destination that meets or exceeds the standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the state of Illinois, and Chicago. 

Today, the Center is on track to become a standard-bearer in inclusive design, offering visitors a number of accessibility options that range from visual, mobility, and hearing support to sensory assistance. When opened in 2026, the Presidential Center will create an immersive wrap-around experience for all guests that shows the world how far inclusive design can take us.

A rendering of the Obama Presidential Center's Home Court Lobby Seating Nook. In the image is a large light colored welcome desk with a computer monitor on top and a sign that says "Welcome." Behind the desk is a digital sign showing events happening on campus that day. Those two events are a campus Family Day and a planting workshop. To the right of the desk is a seating nook where several guests are located. On the wall of the nook is a blue wall with words related to basketball etched on them. In the nook are seven seated people. Four of those people are sitting on couches, two are sitting on chairs, one is sitting in a wheelchair. In between the nook and the welcome desk is a hallway that presumably leads to the buildings programming rooms.
A rendering of Home Court’s Lobby Seating Nook located on the Obama Presidential Center campus.

Mobility and Accessibility Support 

The Obama Presidential Center campus is designed for optimal mobility for all patrons and guests. All buildings on the campus are fully accessible: public access restrooms, entry and exit doors will all feature push buttons for automatic opening. This design detail is also included in all of our courtyards across multiple buildings. Elevator service will be open in all public areas across the Obama Presidential Center campus, and comprehensive accessible parking will be available through our on-campus parking garage. 

There are needs for visitors that extend beyond mobility and physical access. The Presidential Center campus will include Wellness Rooms, low-stimulation spaces that provide quiet and private reprieves for campus visitors. The Wellness Rooms can be used for breastfeeding, prayer, and quiet areas for visitors. Our campus bathrooms will also include infant changing tables and adult changing tables will be available in our Family Restroom.

Exploring the Campus 

As visitors explore the 19.3-acre campus, they will have the use of a range of accessibility options to improve their experience. The Obama Presidential Center’s inclusive design plan includes a comprehensive sensory guide and social narrative, both digitally and in-person, to support guests who are neurodivergent or sensory sensitive. 

At the Obama Presidential Center Museum, visitors of all abilities will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in four floors of exhibits. Exhibitions within the Museum have been curated for optimal accessibility, this includes:

  • Physical movement around the exhibitions and interactives on each floor 

  • Visual accessibility support through Braille signage and tactile maps 

  • Audio support through assistive-listening devices, closed captioning and recorded audio descriptions at digital media exhibitions 

Additionally, with advance notice, visitors can request American Sign Language interpreters for programs and guests that require the support of personal care attendants may be accompanied by their attendant at no additional charge.

A rendering of the interior escalator at the Obama Presidential Center Museum. The escalator is situated on the interior side of the art installation, "Uprising of the Sun." The mosaic art installation includes multiple colors and is glass. On the upward escalator are several children pointing to the glass mosaic art installation.
A rendering of the interior escalator at the Obama Presidential Center Museum featuring artist Julie Mehretu’s installation, “Uprising of the Sun.”
A rendering of the Ann Dunham Water Terrace at the Obama Presidential Center. The center of the picture features a sculpture from artist Maya Lin surrounded by green trees. Around the sculpture is a paved pathway with a variety of people walking, sitting, standing, and playing. The picture is outdoors and takes place in the daytime.
A rendering of the Ann Dunham Water Terrace featuring artist Maya Lin’s sculpture, “Seeing Through the Universe.”

Campus Experiences 

One of the most exciting design elements at the Obama Presidential Center is the range of physical touch opportunities located across multiple indoor and outdoor spaces. Physical touch stations are located throughout all floors of the Museum and at tactile replicas of key artifacts. 

The Ann Dunham Water Terrace, located on the east side of the campus, is an interactive sculpture from renowned artist Maya Lin, entitled “Seeing Through the Universe.” The Terrace provides a sensory opportunity where visitors are encouraged to splash through the water fountain and gather with other visitors in the sunlight.

The Obama Presidential Center campus will also include an inclusively designed playground for children of all ages and abilities. The 21,000 square foot site will feature side-by-side play equipment, including ADA-accessible swings and slide, a “mud kitchen” garden, and sensory nooks. 

This approach has been informed by many expert advisers and advocates, including: 

  • LaVant Consulting

  • Prime Access Consulting

  • City of Chicago Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, including Commissioner Rachel Arfa, Thomas Ciesielski, Christina McGleam, Clarissa Stanhope 

  • Emily Blum, Disability Lead

  • Candace Cable, Paralympic Athlete

  • Ken Chua, (these)abilities Founder

  • Bill Green, Lincoln Park Zoo; 

  • Alison Kukla, OA Alumni / Epilepsy Foundation

  • Sherry Soon, Be Kind Founder

  • Karen Tamley, CEO of Access Living 

  • Elizabeth Zaverdas, LCM Architects

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The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 46-4950751).