Saturday, December 16, 2017

HOW TO MAKE YOUR CONFERENCE ACCESSIBLE – AND WHY YOU SHOULD CARE!



NAME BADGES

The purpose of a name badge is to identify people easily. As such, it should be easy to read! You should use a large, easy to read font. Sans serif fonts are generally regarded as a good choice. Make the name stand out and contrast well – avoid grey on grey! A font size of 18 points or bigger if you can make it fit would make a difference.
It’s not just people with sight impairments that will thank you – but all of us who have tiring eyesight from staring at computer screens all day!

VENUE

Is your venue accessible? This topic also could be a post on its own. But here are some possible barriers to consider when selecting a venue, or to address if you’ve already selected a venue that is not as accessible as it could be. For in depth information, albeit very dry, refer to the ADA Standards. A shortened checklist (PDF) could be used as a reminder when visiting venues. . Don’t automatically assume that the venue is accessible because it often holds conferences! Things are getting better, but there’s often issues.

ACCESSIBLE ROUTE

Are there steps to get into and through the venue? If so, is there an alternate way to get in and around? For example, there was a conference that was held in the lower level of a large hotel. Attendees reached the conference rooms by using an escalator. A wheelchair lift had been installed recently, but it was kept locked so children couldn’t play in it. People with reduced mobility needed to find a staff that knew where the key was. This routinely took between 15 and 20 minutes each time. This is sub optimal.

REGISTRATION DESK

How high is the registration desk? Is it a regular table, or a taller reception desk? If it is a high surface, offer an alternative location for wheelchair users or people of short stature to be able to interact with staff/volunteers.

 

How have you made your conference more accessible for all people?
If you are interested in learning more about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or how to make accessibility a natural part of your business through the application of Corporate Social Responsibility, please contact Sandra Broekhof @ 416-579-1035 orsandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca

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