Making events accessible for everyone

Organizing an event or social meet-up for the general public requires a lot of planning.  Including people with disabilities is important. 

Some venues  are not accessible so thinking outside the box may be needed. It is important to consider the time of day when the event will begin and end.  There must be an accessible entrance and exit. Entrances and exits should be well lit. Lighting should be bright, but not too bright, and fluorescent lighting is not appropriate.  Signs should be bright, readable, and in plain language. Wheelchair users need ramps big enough to enter and exit with poles on the ramps. Ideally, stairs and ramps should be next to each other. CART services or open live captions are a must for all events.  CART stands for Communication Access Realtime Translation. It is a service in which a certified CART provider listens to speech and instantaneously translates all the speech to text. Display options include computers, projection screens, monitors or mobile devices.    Sign language interpreters are important as well as braille and large font print for every event document. Sign-up forms for the event should include PDF forms, online forms, and mail-in forms as well as an option to sign up via phone. If possible, scholarships and sponsorship should be made available so anyone can attend, regardless of income. 

Flapplauding is encouraged, but people can applaud by clapping too. People are encouraged to move around if that is how they interact best.  It just takes planning to create a system of interaction that everyone can enjoy. Interaction badges should be included and if possible, people may be given a choice of either matte or glossy paper. Plastic straws should be available especially when a person with a disability needs them.

In addition to being  accessible, the event, especially social meet-ups should be fun!