Skip to Content (Press Enter) Skip to Main Navigation
A light purple white gradient background. Dark purple graphics on the 7 topics covered each day. Text reads: International Day of People with Disability. One small thing.

#OneSmallThing - Day 7 (Sunday 3 December): Events

It's time to get the (accessible) party started! Let's talk accessible events!

There's a lot to consider when making an event accessible. This can be broken down into three sections and stages of time.

Before the event, during the event and after the event, be sure to consider the:

  1. Physical accessibility
  2. Informational accessibility
  3. Attitudinal accessibility

 

Take a look at the below questions and see if you can figure out which questions relate to physical, informational and attitudinal accessibility.

A light purple background with gradient white bottom corners. A transparent white box with text "questions to ask before the event", with 6 questions listed surrounding the heading, 3 in bold text and 3 in normal style font.

Questions to ask before the event:

- Have you asked about access needs during registration, minimise the need to complete a form or separate process

- Is the event close to public transport, with drop off zones and nearby accessible parking?

- Does it have ramps, lifts, wide corridors and corners for wheelchair and mobility aid users?

- Are the doors automatic or lightweight, especially on accessible bathrooms?

- Can attendees register or buy tickets in multiple ways e.g. online, over the phone or in person?

- Have you asked about access needs during registration to minimise the need to complete a form or separate process?

- Have you briefed your staff on the access requirements of attendees and what is available for them?

- Ask if someone would like assistance, respect the answer they give.

 

A light purple background with gradient white bottom corners. A transparent white box with text "questions to ask during the event", with 6 questions listed surrounding the heading, 3 in bold text and 3 in normal style font.

Questions to ask during the event:

- Have you set up large, clear signage throughout the event?

- Are the registration tables at heights suitable for standing and seated attendees?

- Have you provided water and toileting facilities for assistance animals?

- Have presentations been provided in digital and physical form, ideally before the day?

- Can attendees join the event, both in-person and online and online attendance options?

- Have maps for medium/large events been provided, in digital abd physical form, also so attendees can plan their day?

- Have all staff been briefed on available accessibility factors and options?

- Have you reminded front of house staff that they in particular must be welcoming of all attendees?

 

A light purple background with gradient white bottom corners. A transparent white box with text "questions to ask after the event", with 4 questions listed surrounding the heading, 2 in bold text and 2 in normal style font.

Questions to ask after the event:

- Do you actively employ people with all lived experience of disability in all areas, not only events?

- Have you planned a debrief with staff, to document examples of successful and unsuccessful access?

- Have you inserted accessibility requirements in to venue/event applications, therefore raising the expectations of other event organisers?

- Do you convene co-design groups for policy reviews, audits, major events and planning?

 

We hope this has been informative, but, please note that although these are some things to consider when hosting an accessible event, this doesn't cover everything. If you'd like to book in for a full accessible events training, visit the Disability Inclusion Training website.

 

Got #OneSmallThing you'd like to share on any of the topics above? We'd love to hear from you!

 

Simply send us an email at media@juliafarr.org.au or message us on socials with your #OneSmallThing - it can be a quick mobile video, something in writing, an audio file, a drawing, or any other medium that works for you!