233 S. Wacker Dr. (Jackson)
Phone Number: (312) 875-9696
www.theskydeck.com

Over a million visitors a year soar to the top of the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower to enjoy the wrap-around view from its 103rd-floor Skydeck. On a clear day one can see nearly 50 miles into four states; the nighttime scene is also breathtaking. An audio tour narrated by a Chicago cultural historian includes tales of the city's famous neighborhoods and architectural attractions. The Skydeck’s newest attraction is The Ledge, a glass balcony extending four feet outside the building. And, yes, it is wheelchair accessible!

Hours

• Apr.-Sept. 9am-11pm
• Oct.-Mar. 10am-8pm

Admission

• Check website for current pricing, packages and discounts.

Parking/Loading Zone

• Nearest offsite public parking lot/garage
  • Tower Self Park
    Franklin St. across from Sears Tower
    312-782-5570

Features for People with Hearing Loss

• Script/text available
• For History Channel video on the building of the Sears Tower, ask at ticket counter
• Strobe alarms in public areas and restrooms
• Elevator has visual indicators

Features for People with Vision Loss

• Recorded audio tour
  • Languages
    • English
    • German
    • Japanese
    • Spanish
• Touch and Tell computers
  • Provide information in print about numbered landmarks
  • Languages
    • English
    • French
    • German
    • Japanese
    • Spanish
    • Polish
• Exhibit labels
  • Large print/high contrast/non-glare
• History wall on Skydeck
• Interior signage
  • Large print/high contrast/non-glare
• Braille/tactile signage
  • Restroom
  • Elevator controls
  • Hoistways
• Height clearance at least 80"
• No undetectable protruding objects in path of travel
• Elevator has audible indicators
• Note: Displays on Lower Level 2 are under plexiglass so glare may be a problem

Entry

• Level entry
• Door has at least 32" clearance
• Threshold less than 1/2" beveled
• 2 doors in series-adequate space between
• Push button door
• Easy grasp/lever handle or none
• Note: One must enter 1st door and then wait for it to close before pushing button for 2nd.

Assistive Equipment for Guests with Physical Disabilities

• Wheelchair
• Note: Available from Gift shop, ground floor, which closes at 6 pm. ID required.

Interior Access

• Corridor/path of travel at least 36" wide
• Ramps provide access to one or more areas
  • Skydeck elevator, lower level 2
  • Gift shop, ground floor, 1 handrail
• Push-button door
  • Accessible route to elevator
• Notes: Redirect signage in place for accessible route to elevator

Accessible Facilities/Amenities

• Ticketing
  • 36" max. pass through at window on left
  • Identified by access symbol
• Lowered telescopes
  • Located at each corner of building
• Seating
  • Benches on Lower Level 2 only, not Skydeck
• Public Phone
  • 54" max. to top control for side approach
  • Skydeck
• Drinking Fountain
  • located on Skydeck
• Notes: Gift shop counter 40"on Skydeck, 49" on Lower Level 2

Performance Space

• Location-Lower Level 2
• Fixed seating
• Wheelchair seating
• 2 integrated spaces
• Additional spaces along wall in wide aisle
• Companion seating
• Fixed benches alongside
• Note: Small theatre used to screen a History Channel video on building of the Sears Tower

Exhibits

• On accessible route
• Space to approach/view/maneuver
• Wall hung displays and labels viewable from seated and standing position

Elevator

• Door clearance at least 36"
• Car size at least 54" x 80" with centered door or 54" x 68" with side door
• Elevator controls 54" or less
• Notes: Staff operated

Restroom

• Men's and Women's
• Location-Lower Level 2, exit and entry routes
• Access symbol identifies facility
• Entry door at least 32" clearance
• Threshold less than 1/2" beveled
• Space in restroom to maneuver
  • 5' by 5' or T-shaped space to turn
• Stall door at least 32" clearance
• Stall door swings out
• Grab bar behind and alongside toilet
• Lateral transfer space at least 30" wide
• Roll under sink with knee clearance at least 27" high and 30" wide
• Mirror 40" or less from floor or tilted-Exit restroom only
• Towels/soap/vending within reach
  • 48" or less from floor
• Faucet controls automatic or lever type
• Latch operable with closed fist
• Easy grasp/lever handle or none
• Notes:
  • Restrooms with ambulatory stall only are available on the Skydeck level
  • Signage directs wheelchair users to the Lower Level 2 restrooms
  • Accessible restrooms are available on both entry and exit routes
  • Toilet height is 20" for women's "entry" restroom, 21" for women's "exit" restroom
  • Door to women's "exit" restroom is heavy
  • Grab bars on rear wall in both do not extend fully behind toilet