VEX Robotics and the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation has considered the following:

1. The type, size, weight, dimensions, and speed of mobility devices;
2. The volume of pedestrian traffic within the facilities at the VEX Robotics World Championship (“VEX Worlds”);
3. The design and operational characteristics of the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center;
4. Whether legitimate safety requirements can be established to permit the safe operation of Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (“OPDMD”), as defined herein; and,
5. Whether the use of OPDMD, as defined herein, creates a substantial risk of serious harm to the immediate environment or natural or cultural resources.

VEX Robotics and the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation hereby find that the safety guidelines contained herein are reasonable based on the above considerations.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act and subsequent regulation, it is the policy of the VEX Robotics World Championship that mobility devices used by individuals with disabilities are permitted in all facilities and programs.

Definitions

Wheelchair – “Wheelchair” is defined as “a manually-operated or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability for the main purpose of indoor or indoor and outdoor locomotion.” This definition includes mobility scooters.

Mobility Disability – A “mobility disability” is a disability under the ADA and includes a wide range of such disabilities, including circulatory and respiratory disabilities that make walking difficult or impossible.

Other Power-Driven Mobility Device – An “Other Power-Driven Mobility Device (OPDMD)” is defined as any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other engines – whether or not designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility disabilities – that are used by individuals with mobility disabilities for the purpose of locomotion. Included in the OPDMD category are: golf carts, electronic personal assistance mobility devices (e.g. Segway® PT) and any mobility device designed to operate in areas without defined pedestrian routes, but that is not a wheelchair.

VEX Worlds Facilities – “VEX Worlds Facilities” is defined as any facility at which VEX Worlds activities, practices or competitions are held. The primary location for VEX Worlds is the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, 650 S Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202.

Mobility Assistance Devices

Use of wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids – VEX Worlds shall permit individuals with mobility disabilities to use wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids, such as walkers, crutches, canes, braces, or other similar devices designed for use by individuals with mobility disabilities in any areas open to pedestrian use.

Use of Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD) – Individuals with mobility disabilities may also use Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices in areas of the VEX Worlds facilities or properties utilized by VEX Worlds. Individuals with a mobility disability have the right to determine which OPDMD best suits their needs and can use the OPDMD of their choosing in accordance with the safety guidelines below. No combustion engine-powered Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices are allowed to be operated indoors because they may present a substantial risk of serious harm to operators, visitors and the immediate environment due to various concerns, including the risk of fire, the risk of fuel spill, engine noise, air quality, and the typical dimensions, weight and horsepower of such a device.

Inquiry into Use

A person using a wheelchair or OPDMD may not be asked about the nature and extent of the person’s disability. A person using an OPDMD MAY be asked to provide “credible assurance” that the mobility device is required because of the person’s mobility disability.

Note: “Credible assurance” can be the person’s State issued placard ID, or other proof of the disability or can be a verbal statement not contradicted by observable fact.

Safety Regulations for OPDMD

1. An OPDMD is allowed in any area of a VEX Worlds facility in which the general public is allowed, with the exception of stairways and hazardous areas; because of legitimate safety concerns based on actual risks;
2. An OPDMD must be controlled by the person riding the device;
3. An OPDMD must be operated in compliance with the following guidelines:
   • May not exceed 4 mph in an indoor VEX Worlds Facility or 6 mph immediately outside of the VEX Worlds Facility (on the grounds of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas);
   • Shall be driven on the right side of the pedestrian circulation route;
   • The total combined height of the OPDMD and the operator may not exceed the height of the lowest immovable building element located in the area such device is to be operated;
   • Is prohibited from carrying another person on the OPDMD;
   • May not be driven into wet or ecologically sensitive areas;
   • If powered by an internal combustion engine for use outdoors only, be equipped with an approved spark arrestor muffler, and comply with all rules and standards created by federal and state agencies that regulate the emissions of hazardous air pollutants in effect at the time of device’s manufacture.
   • May not be operated in a dangerous or reckless manner that jeopardizes the safety of the operator, VEX Worlds participants and spectators at VEX Worlds, as well as the employees and volunteers present at VEX Worlds.
   • Must have street tires; no knobby tires.
   • Emergency vehicles and City vehicles are exempt from these rules.

Accommodation

If a certain class of OPDMD cannot be accommodated because of legitimate safety concerns, VEX Worlds will try to accommodate such individuals with an alternative, if possible.

Personal Devices and Services

This Policy does not require VEX Worlds to provide individuals with disabilities personal devices, such as wheelchairs or Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices.

Miscellaneous

1. VEX Worlds accepts no responsibility for storage of any mobility device.
2. VEX Worlds accepts no liability for damage to any mobility device, or injury to the operator, whether caused by the operator, another visitor to the VEX Worlds Facility or site, the physical conditions of the VEX Worlds Facility or site, or any other circumstance.
3. VEX Worlds accepts no liability for damage caused by the operator of the device, or injury to others caused by the operator of the device.
4. VEX Worlds accepts no liability for any injuries or property damage, to either the operator or others, resulting from VEX Worlds’ failure to enforce this policy or to supervise the operator of an Other Power-Driven Mobility Device.
5. VEX Worlds reserves the right to change, modify, or amend this policy at any time.

Contact

For questions, email hr@recf.org.