OPINION
Firstly , let me start by saying there are many organisations out there that are putting accessibility at the forefront of their agenda . From the outset , they consider how everyone can access and feel part of the event .
However , too often we see examples of events that don ’ t cater to disabled and neurodivergent audiences , despite these groups making up such a large proportion of the population . If we put the same resources into accessibility as we do creativity , we would open the doors wider to inclusion and innovation .
DEI is embedded in most businesses , but too often it doesn ’ t stretch to their events . We see examples all the time of events that don ’ t cater to disabled and neurodivergent audiences or where accessibility is an afterthought rather than the focus .
To quote Valuable 500 ’ s founder Caroline Casey , we are not after the “ a la carte ” of disability inclusion . We cannot pick and choose when we do and don ’ t do it .
There should be a baseline standard of accessibility for all events . The biggest issue is that cost becomes the common excuse as to why it can ’ t be added to event design . Another one is that it ’ s not our focus this year ; we are looking at gender and diversity . This opens up the conversation to understanding how intersectionality works within your organisation or event . The thing is that the solution is fairly simple if
Inclusivity for all
you consider accessibility from the outset and do not wait for the request . Why should the responsibility fall to the delegate to tell you if they have an access need ? If people see you have already considered it , they ’ re more likely to request further accommodations or support when attending your event .
It ’ s like making it part of your DNA . Unfortunately , the world is not designed to be accessible . So , society is
Ryan Curtis-Johnson
Events need to put the same amount of time and money into accessibility as they do creativity , says Ryan Curtis-Johnson from The Valuable 500
already failing many . Yet , business has an opportunity to change this by deciding to only use accessible venues , and always provide live transcription , sign language interpreting , and quiet spaces for those needing them .
Even incorporating a virtual option was fine for when we were all stuck at home during the pandemic and should be fine now . Then , you truly are being inclusive . Yet , if you don ’ t , you are penalising people for having a disability , and I think everyone can say that is morally not right . It should be catered for within the budget , and before you hear the words “ we don ’ t have budget ”. I often suggest one less break-out brownie or even take out some of the budget for the big creative opening video , because if not everyone can experience it , what ’ s it all for ?
The industry was very quick to incorporate sustainability within events and align itself with the UN ’ s Sustainable Development Goals , and if we look at SDG 10 , it focuses on inequalities across countries . Although it isn ’ t stating disability , it is very much linked . So , I ask the question , are you being sustainable if you exclude people from your events by not being accessible ?
Within the events industry , many organisations can support you on this journey ; they are experts in these various fields . We often hear the phrase from the disability community : ‘ Nothing about us , without us .’ I encourage the events industry to engage more with disabled talent . Are they involved in the conversation from the start , and are they supporting the design or functionality of your event ? If not , why ?
This begs the question of whether you are being inclusive as a business ; if not , how can you truly do inclusive events ?
The Valuable 500 is a global community of 500 companies working together to end disability exclusion . EN
Spring — 13