Disabled Association Pros & Accessibility Allies

Happy Friday, everyone!

We had our first post-pandemic in-person conference in August. We received requests during the conference and feedback afterward about accommodations. 

With your experience, what events have you attended in person where the meeting host had it together regarding accessibility? Of course, the flip side is what have you experienced that was a failure. 

We wish to be prepared for our next live event in April. I did peruse the previous discussions before my ask. 

Thank you!

Oh how responsible of you to ask, @Kimberly Howard, MA, CAE!

Alas, my experiences have all been not good as a person with a mobility disability and someone who worked with a client on contract negotiation to include accessibility. @Samantha Evans, ICE-CCP, CAE will be one of the best resources.

Off the top of my head:

It begins with selecting a destination and site and asking questions that elicit more than "of course we are  ADA compliant" as a response! ESPA developed a destination checklist some years ago. I know they were in the process of updating it and I've not checked it. It's  a decent place to start. Destinations Intl either has or is developing a destination checklist as well. I have not seen it.

Since your post seems to indicate your meeting is placed since it's in April, my first suggestion is to dig deeper. If a destination says they have, say, accessible transportation, ask for specifics about the airport and ground transport. 

Learn more about training of personnel in venues being used and how they are trained to help people with disabilities.

If you've done a site inspection and not done it with an understanding of access, and can, do so again, or if you have a member in the destination, once with a checklist, get it.

Think of each aspect of the meeting and how it would be accessible for anyone with any disability. Too often the thought is of mobility  and not hearing, sight, neurodiversity. It is an exacting process.

I think Sam has a checklist.

Thanks for being thoughtful.
Joan

Kimberly,

Working in accessibility I see things on the regular that stand out as "whoa impressive" and "whoa how did they not know better" all the time.

Wow, interesting reading. I was not aware of EMDR Therapy before today. My colleagues that work in vision therapy have commented about eye movements when their clients revisit traumatic conversations. Just an anecdotal layperson observation.

Kudos on an accessible website and a strong accessibility statement there too!

Your feedback and request from attendees will be valuable - start there. Then move on to engaging your members/attendees for additional listening about disability inclusion.

There are two sorts of things to sort in a decision tree.
Before you look at that - what is your DEI, IDEA, DEIB, JEDI (other disability inclusion statement)

Should we have anticipated this as part of our commitment to disability inclusion and how do we do that in the future?
We think this request is beyond what we should be expected to do, how do we find out?
Do we have any disabled people helping us make disability informed/led decisions?
How do we plan to educate and train our staff about disability inclusion and accessibility moving forward?


Here's my guidance to organizations:

Clearly publicize, list, explain, and show in your event materials online (or in print if you're still sending paper) how accessibility is built into your event.
List the accessibility components that you are providing in your event website's accessibility page/section.
List the accessibility services that you can offer, and by what date, so that you can secure those services.
Provide the name/email of your accessibility team for additional requests or questions.

Shifting left, all the way back, accessibility needs to be part of your strategic, RFP, site selection, and budgetary planning. Understanding the tactical implications for your attendees, speakers, and staff with disabilities will help you consider where/how this impacts your planning.

Off the top of my head....

Site selection:
City disability policy/office
Transportation - accessible for hire, public, and what the city findings are on lyft/uber
Safety - does the public information officer have a disability emergency response plan (hint not all emergency responders are REQUIRED to evacuate disabled people)
Property - when was the property last reviewed for accessibility
How many accessible rooms do they have - what kind? how many of what kind? when were their DHH kits checked last
Do they have stepstools for Little People?
Are the beds too high for Little People, people of short stature, those who use mobility aids, or need to transfer? 
Are the beds on solid bases that prevent use of mobility aids
Are the closet rods all "up high"
Is there space between the furniture to navigate?
Readily accessible power outlets and USB charging ports?


What stands out as swing and a miss? (sportsball analogy for fun) And the opposite when done well, we notice!

Not offering CART captions if requested - or not offering it at all
Not offering ASL if requested - or not offering it at all 
Not providing materials in advance for those who request
Not providing accessible versions of materials for those who request

Not doing a walkthrough of the property for physical accessibility considerations
Not considering allergens, religion, and cultural standards when planning your F&B
Not having the meal options presented on the website, an app, or on posters so that people can make informed food choices
Not having signage that is readable for food & beverage options (to consider allergies, medical, and faith based requests)
Not having food stations that can be accessed by Little People and people using wheelchair/scooters (think tall displays, tall boys, etc)
Not considering transit and space around food stations and seating areas

Not considering space between tables/chairs when people are seated for transit
Not considering how heavy doors are to open
Not considering thresholds into rooms/space as a barrier for transi

Not considering lighting (too dim, flashing lights, transitions from bright sunlight to less light)
Not considering signage as a tripping hazard (easels that stick out)
Not offering service animal relief areas and water bowls

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Samantha Evans, CAE, ICE-CCP, MBA (she/her)
The Accessible CAE
sam.evans@accessibilityassociation.org
Professional Certification Division Director
Intl. Assoc. of Accessibility Professionals, a division of G3ict
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Great questions

Please solicit member voices. Don't assume what your members need from you. Host a roundtable. That's key. 

And ensure all staff are informed and have access to the learning and training - https://courses.myadalearning.org/courses

https://adasoutheast.org/states/south-carolina/

All my best,

Mariama