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Accessible Events
Are you planning an event? Here are some tips to help you increase attendance and community inclusion!
General planning
General Planning
The People
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Include persons with disabilities or accessibility experts in event planning
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Try contacting a disability organization for input and advice
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Try to include them on tours of potential event locations
Promotional and Event Material
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Consider using plain English or Easy Read for event materials
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Try to ensure that event websites are digitally accessible
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Event materials should indicate that the event will be accessible
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Use text of at least 12p and in easy to read font such as Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, and Calibri
Venue selection
Venue Selection
Accessible Parking and Transportation
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The venue should have an accessible entrance reachable by bus, HandyDART, and taxi
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Accessible parking spaces should be clearly indicated by the International Access Symbol
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Ensure there is clear access to accessible transportation and pick-up spots
Venue Exterior
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The route to the building entrance should be stable, firm, and slip-resistant
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If the route crosses a curb, there should be a curb ram
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There should be an entrance route accommodating wheelchairs and scooters
Venue Entrance and Doors
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Entrances should be wide enough for people using wheelchairs and scooters
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If there is a separate accessible entrance, its location should be posted on a visible sign
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Have staff or volunteers to be at entrances to help persons get to the meeting room
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Check if doors can be opened without too much force (5 pounds max for interior doors)
Elevators
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Elevators should be located close to the event space
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Elevators should have Braille buttons and auditory signals for visually impaired persons
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Elevators should be large enough for people with mobility aids or service dogs
Washrooms
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Washrooms should be equipped with an automatic or push-button opener
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Washrooms should have a stall with space for a mobility device and/or support attendant
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There should be an accessible washroom on the same floor as the event
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Washroom accessories should be positioned so that persons using mobility devices can reach them
On-site operations
On Site Operations
Seating
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Ensure that tables have enough room between chairs for wheelchair users
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Do not have separate seating that segregates persons with disabilities
Tables
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Ensure there is room between tables for persons with mobility devices or assistance dogs to pass between
Food and Drink
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Give participants the opportunity to indicate dietary needs ahead of time
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If there are menus, make them available in braille
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Ensure food is placed in locations accessible to people in wheelchairs or scooters
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Someone should be available to assist persons who need help serving themselves
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Make bendable cups and lightweight straws available
Staff, Volunteers, and Attendees
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Ensure that staff and volunteers are aware of potential accessibility issues
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Ask staff and volunteers to speak loudly, slowly, and clearly
Presentations
Presenttions
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Ask presenters to speak loud and clear
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Ask presenters to describe any visual info on their slides and announce slide transitions
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Prepare captions for videos
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Try to arrange sign language interpretation
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Ensure any accessibility needs of the presenters have been addressed
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Read more tips on accessible presentations here
After the event
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Include questions about accessibility in post-event evaluations
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Incorporate feedback into future events
Post Event
Checklist
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