he pandemic saw the industry pivot to virtual events and then to hybrid events , with many perceiving these platforms as being the most inclusive way of delivering an event . The benefit of virtual events is that they help remove some of the barriers ( particularly physical and economical ) presented by in-person events , which in turn helped to increase the diversity of the attendees and forced us to consider how we can create more diverse content . However , more diverse attendees meant more consideration was

needed when it came to accessibility . This was very much a case of learning on the job . An attendee not having to travel to a venue to attend an event does not make an event accessible , it ’ s time to properly consider , deaf and blind participants , those with learning disabilities , the neuro divergent and those who might struggle with social anxiety when planning online and virtual events as standard , not as an afterthought .

Researching and using accessible technology properly is the key to making sure technology can be utilised by people with a wide range of practical abilities and facilitating users to interact with it in whichever way works best for them . We can use the technology that is out there to make sure our event websites and registration pages are accessible , by making sure they work with screenreader software that is compatible with Mac , iOS devices and Windows . Any virtual event platform we use must be compatible with assistive technology , such as real-time speech interpretation and / or live captioning .

Any mobile versions of our virtual event platform should be able to be accessed by people from anywhere , particularly if they are taking part in a location with a smaller internet bandwidth .

Even during live events , technology can and should be used to support those with accessibility needs . For example , we can use apps and software that can upload event floorplans , a useful tool for those who might struggle to read signs . We can also upload useful information such as the location of accessible toilets , where the fire exits are , where wide doors and step-free routes are located , where your app is a tool for inclusivity as well as supporting information .

When it comes to including those with reduced hearing at your event , there ’ s no shortage of technology that can provide help when it ’ s needed . Live captioning and assistive listening systems , such as induction loops , are among some of the more popular solutions .

As an industry , the more educated we get as to what some of the barriers are , the more knowledgeable and the more invested we become in finding solutions for them . Let ’ s bring virtual event elements into the live experience . When it comes to accessibility , it ’ s vital to incorporate the lessons learned from running more inclusive , hybrid events . The solutions are out there and they don ’ t have to cost the earth . CN

“ As an industry , the more educated we get as to what some of the barriers are , the more knowledgeable and the more invested we become in finding solutions for them .”