Accessibility include the following: Websites and mobile apps must comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines( WCAG). E-books and e-readers must support assistive technologies like screen readers. E-commerce platforms must ensure accessible navigation and transactions.
Getting familiar with the Act and its requirements is essential for event professionals active in the EU countries. And it’ s best to start doing that now. Trying to add accessibility changes when an event is a long way into its preparation is never a wise move. To be properly effective, planning for accessibility has to start at the very beginning.
Vendors and partners will need to demonstrate that they meet accessibility requirements. The EAA presents an opportunity to embed inclusiveness into the DNA of event design, creating a more equitable experience for all participants. Surely, that can only be a good thing.
UK-based EventWell( a neurodivergent-led not-for-profit organisation) chief executive Helen Moon believes that legislation is a
Johnny D Martinez
Conduct a venue accessibility audit
Before booking a venue, conduct a thorough accessibility audit. If operationg in the EU, you must evaluate its compliance with the EAA. It’ s not enough to simply add a ramp or two. Make sure to check, assess, and test all of these( and remember, this is not an exhaustive list):
• Step-free access and lifts
• Toilet accessibility
• Parking and transport links
• Hearing loop availability and assistive technologies
• Emergency exit plans that include individuals with disabilities
• Changes needed for specific events, such as reserved seating for individuals with disabilities or temporary ramp instalations
• Support services, such as hiring interpreters or arranging for mobility equipment rentals
• Floor plans highlighting accessible routes
• Policies for accommodating service animals
• Availability of trained staff to assist attendees with disabilities
• Access to enough charging points for mobility devices
• Functionality of assistive listening systems and lifts.
powerful tool to ensure inclusivity across the events industry. She says:“ There is no universal mandate, leaving accessibility inconsistent. Legislation could set minimum standards for events to meet sensory and emotional accessibility requirements, similar to how physical accessibility laws have driven the inclusion of ramps and lifts.” What the legislation does bring to the forefront of people’ s minds is the importance of accessibility, and in events this can mean a re-think for many planners.
Johnny D Martinez, chair of the Events Industry Council APEX Commission, believes some accessibility requirements are easy to fix. He comments:“ An easy way to improve your website’ s accessibility is to add descriptive alt text to every image. This allows screen readers to interpret the image content for users with visual impairments, enhancing their experience. Another quick win is adding AIgenerated subtitles or captions to any live stream or pre-recorded video uploaded on socials or hosted on your site.”
Sammy Connell
Opportunity and income Accessible events open the door to opportunity and income. Attention to accessibility can be a great way to communicate your brand values. Apart from enhancing brand reputation and encouraging accessibility ambassadors to become raving fans, which is just the right thing to do, it makes sound commercial sense.
If we’ re not communicating in ways that welcome everyone to our events and make the experience of attending just as easy for all our attendees, we’ re effectively excluding many people. We have the ability and the knowledge to become more accessible and welcoming. It’ s time to do it without being told we have to. n
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