Making your event accessible to everybody is mandatory. In the United States, 22% of adults have some type of disability. When your event keeps them in mind, you’re opening it up to 53 million adults. With this amount of potential attendees, it’s time to be more proactive. Below are some tips on how to make your event more accessible.
- Choose an accessible event venue
Make sure that your event venue is designed to accommodate disabled access. Take note of the following:
- Ramps or elevators should be close to all stairs.
- Toilets that are accessible for persons with disabilities should be easily accessed throughout the venue and should have clear signage.
- There should be accessible parking bays for persons with physical disabilities. These should be clearly marked and close to the entrance.
- Flat and even surfaces are required for outdoor areas.
Keep in mind that while a venue has accessible features, these should also be fully accessible. For example, the path leading to a bathroom should be wide enough to fit a wheelchair through.
- Set up should be done right.
After securing the appropriate venue, make sure that you will be setting it up right. Keep in mind the following suggestions:
- All attendees should be able to access the event in the same entrance. You wouldn’t want any of your guests to use a freight elevator or a back entrance to get to your event. This is a demeaning way to welcome them.
- Ensure that access ramps are widely available. Take note of microphone height and lecterns or podiums if people will have to be called on stage.
- Ease of movement as well as safe movement has to be taken into consideration. Aisle width should be enough for people who have wheelchairs, scooters, and even canes. Consider asking feedback from a person who uses any these items prior to the setup. House Lights should be on at all times for people with low vision.
- Prepare your staff.
Educate your staff on how to interact with people with disabilities. Take note that differently-abled people prefer to be addressed directly even if they have a helper with them. Make sure that your team is also knowledgeable on emergency response procedures for disabled people.Respect has to be given to everyone. If your staff goes out of their way to give the best possible experience to anyone, regardless of their capability, everyone will enjoy your event.
For more information on how to make your event more accessible, consult with your preferred event planner now!
Written by bleu events, one of the top event planners Columbia, MO has to offer.
