Improving Accessibility at TBP

Ever since opening our doors in 2018, Tacoma’s Best Piercing has worked to be better every day. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming space where everyone can feel safe and be their authentic self. Most recently, we have been working to change our approach in the way we accommodate our disabled patrons. We always do our best, and our staff is expanding their knowledge regarding the topic constantly, but we feel there are ways in which we can improve, and we all want to do better.

We will always provide reasonable accommodations, as outlined by the ADA website. We also allow service dogs in the building and piercing rooms, as is required by law, and our staff knows not to interrupt or distract service animals. We allow service dogs in training as well, even though it is not required by law, as we believe that allowing access during training is beneficial for both the dog and the handler. If you require any additional accommodations, please feel free to contact us or ask staff in person. We have also included a space on appointment forms to allow you to tell us about what you may need.

We are located in a small building, sharing a parking lot with several other businesses. The parking lot has one accessible parking space on either end of the building, with a small ramp at each parking space. The rest of the building front has a curb, which may be difficult to navigate for disabled patrons.

The lobby in our new location is quite large, with plenty of space for everyone.

The hallway is 45 inches wide, just under 4 feet.

Our piercing rooms are large enough to allow space for piercers, piercees, and one guest comfortably.

Aren’t you supposed to say “person with a disability” instead?

Language concerning disabilities is extremely personal. Everyone has their own way they prefer to identify. Identity-First vs. Person-First language is commonly debated in disabled spaces. Everyone has a right to their own stance on the subject. For our staff members and friends who are disabled, they prefer to use Identity-First language, so the rest of our staff does so as well, out of respect for their wishes.

What counts as a service animal?

In accordance with Washington State Law and the ADA, a service dog is trained to perform specific tasks to benefit a disabled person. Other animals, domesticated and wild, are not considered as valid service animals. Emotional support, comfort, and therapy animals are not considered to be service animals, and are not allowed public access.

My service dog is still in training. Can they come in?

Yes. It is not required in Pierce County to allow access to service dogs in training. However, we want you and your service animal to be successful, and we believe exposure to public environments is beneficial for you both.

I have a question that isn’t answered here.

If you have any other questions regarding disability and laws surrounding accessibility, you can refer to the websites listed below. If you have specific accommodation questions for our business and space, you can contact us via phone call, email, and text messaging.

ADA Website
Washington State Human Rights Commission
Washington State Service Dog Association