Accessibility Considerations For Events

You don’t stop being disabled when conference or event sessions end, so why do so many organisers forget about inclusion at conference dinners and networking events? It’s great to see more events offering sign language interpreters, quiet rooms, and accessible seating during the main agenda. But what about during the coffee breaks? The networking dinner? The drinks at the end? If those adjustments vanish the moment the keynote’s over, it’s not inclusion – it’s performance. Disabled people don’t just attend the content. We build relationships, grab lunch, join the side conversations. And if those moments aren’t accessible, we’re being excluded from the most valuable parts of the day. Having sign language interpreters available throughout all event elements; keeping quiet rooms open; offering seated areas during networking; telling people food and drink menus in advance; offering sighted assistance for intros; having portable hearing loops in place; or providing enetworking options. These are all things you can do to show you actually want to host an inclusive event in full, not just meet minimum requirements. Inclusion isn’t a scheduled item. It’s a commitment. #DisabilityInclusion #Disability #DisabilityEmployment #Adjustments #DiversityAndInclusion #Content

Networking events can be a nightmare for neurodivergent folks. The unspoken rules. The overwhelming noise. The pressure to "just go up and introduce yourself." If you actually want your event to be neurodivergent-friendly, here are some easy wins: ⏰ set clear start and end times - predictability helps 🤝 facilitate introductions & people meeting - don’t leave people stranded in the “just go talk to someone” abyss 🗣️ create small-group space - not just one big, loud room (who doesn't find that overwhelming? 😅) 🎧 reduce sensory overload - think natural lighting, lower noise, and multiple conversation zones. 🤫 have a quiet/break room - a place to recharge can make a huge difference. 👕 ditch the rigid dress codes - let people wear what feels good. 👃 go scent-free - strong perfumes, colognes, and air fresheners can be overwhelming 🍽️ offer sensory-friendly snacks. A lot of conference food can be awful, with few options for more particular eaters. One of my favourite examples is the DIY pasta station at the College Autism Network. They had plain noodles separate from cheese and sauces so attendees could mix and match and choose their own adventure as needed. What am I missing? -- p.s. I'm planning ND Connect's first in-person member meetup. So anything else I should be considering is so helpful right now and appreciated :)

They call it a “global” conference. But the visa rejections and who’s actually in the room tell a different story. Behind banners of “Inclusion” and “Equity,” these events often remain closed to the very people most affected by the issues at hand. Invitations are sent. But borders, budgets, and bureaucracy say "not you". And when someone from the Global South does make it through? They often arrive to a conversation already shaped by someone else’s language, someone else’s framework, someone else’s agenda. This piece isn’t just a critique. It’s a call to redesign what “global” really means. Here are 7 practical solutions surfaced by the LinkedIn community to truly open the doors to so-called “global” events. ✅ 1. Extend the Planning Cycle Give participants, especially from the Global South, enough lead time to secure visas, funding, and logistical support. ✅ 2. Host in Visa-Accessible Countries Choose locations with wider visa-free or visa-on-arrival access (e.g. Jamaica, Thailand, Kenya, South Africa, Indonesia). ✅ 3. Design Hybrid Models That Don’t Sideline Ensure virtual participants have equal voice through quality tech, time-zone-aware scheduling, and real engagement. ✅4. Fund Participation, Not Just Travel Offer holistic support: visa fees, translation, caregiving costs, internet data, and accommodation. Being “invited” doesn’t mean being “able to come.” Read the article for the remaining three solutions on how we can redesign global events to be truly inclusive by design, not exception. 📌 Save this post. 🔔 Follow me for content on inclusive practices #GlobalConferences #DevelopmentInclusion #DecolonisingDevelopment

Meaningful networking begins when we create space for authenticity. Here’s why 😮💨 For years, I found traditional networking exhausting - loud rooms, endless small talk, and unspoken rules that rewarded being an extrovert over authenticity. As someone who is neurodivergent, those spaces often drained me instead of inspiring me. To the point I used to think I wasn’t *good* at networking, when really, the environments just weren’t designed for me. But everything shifted when I started to see networking as a means of connection and curiosity. ✨ It stopped being about performance. ✨ It started being about people. Now, I focus on building spaces where everyone - especially neurodivergent professionals - can connect meaningfully and on their own terms. Here are 7 ways to make networking more inclusive: 1️⃣ Redefine networking – small, structured sessions over chaos. 2️⃣ Prioritise accessibility – share agendas, quiet zones, and clear visuals. 3️⃣ Use digital platforms – let people process and reply in their own time. 4️⃣ Create mentorship networks – match on goals, not personality. 5️⃣ Train leaders – awareness drives inclusion. 6️⃣ Celebrate communication styles – write, pause, reflect, speak. 7️⃣ Redefine success – quality over quantity (the 3–2–1 rule). Because when we design networking experiences that value neurodiversity, we don’t just make them inclusive ... we make them more creative, innovative, and human. At LMF NETWORK (Like Minded Females), these strategies have helped 100,000+ globally across 24 countries grow confidence, connection, and community through inclusive workshops, mentoring, and real conversations that make a difference. Now, it can help you too! --------------------------- If you want to create more inclusive, empowering spaces for your teams or events, let’s connect! 👋 📧 Hello@sonyabarlow.co.uk 🌎 www.sonyabarlow.co.uk #Neurodiversity #ADHD #BusinessNetworking #HumanConnection #Inclusion #Leadership #KeynoteSpeaker #WomenInBusiness #ADHDinbusiness #CareerGrowth #ADHDAwarenessMonth

Running a conference in the future - please read this. After attending several conferences and events in the last 12 months, I have found myself exhausted and needing a lot of rest afterwards. I have come to realise these spaces are not neuro-inclusive, so I thought I would share some recommendations. 1. Make sensory-safe spaces the norm Not everyone thrives under fluorescent lights or in bustling networking zones. Provide low-stimulation rooms where people can decompress and reset. 2. Build in buffer time Back-to-back sessions can be dysregulating. Create breathing space in the schedule, longer breaks, pauses between sessions, and asynchronous options to allow rest and reflection. 3. Prioritise layout and flow. Overcrowded booths and noisy foyers are inaccessible for many. Offer seating, create pathways with space, and avoid bottlenecks. 4. Offer multiple communication modes. Not everyone processes information the same way. Use visual timetables, captioned content, quiet Q&A formats, and clear signage to support diverse needs. 5. Ask - and respond. Seek feedback from neurodivergent attendees before and after your event. Implement what you learn. Neuroinclusion isn’t a checklist, it’s a commitment to ongoing learning. If you are interested to learn more about creating neuroinclusion spaces... read my latest Substack: https://lnkd.in/gpFhaMCk #neurodivergent #neuroinclusive #conference

Want an effective, low-cost way to make your events more accessible? Try offering an Accessibility Pre-Event Checklist! 🌟 This checklist gives all attendees a heads-up on essential accessibility details, helping everyone feel welcome and prepared. Think: ✅ Accessible transportation options and venue entrances ✅ Steps for requesting accommodations ✅ Available assistive technologies (like captioning or ALDs) ✅ Information on accessible restrooms, quiet zones, and emergency procedures An accessibility checklist helps attendees feel confident they’ll have the support they need, reducing anxiety about navigating a new space or arranging accommodations. Plus, a pre-event checklist shows your commitment to inclusion right from the start. ___________________ Here's a streamlined sample of an Accessibility Pre-Event Checklist: "Welcome! To make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve put together a checklist to help you prepare and get the most out of Salesforce events. Here’s what to know: #Before You Arrive □ Accommodation Requests: If you need specific accommodations (e.g., ASL interpretation, reserved seating, mobility support), please contact our Accessibility Team at least two weeks in advance. □ Public transit routes and shuttle services with accessible features will be available on our event website. #Venue Accessibility □ Accessible Entrances: All main entrances, restrooms, and levels are accessible by wheelchair. □ Quiet Zones & Sensory Rooms: Designated quiet zones and sensory-friendly rooms are available for anyone needing a calm space. These areas are equipped with comfortable seating, low lighting, and noise reduction. #Event Technology □ Live Captions & Transcripts: AI-generated captions and real-time captions will be provided in all main sessions. Transcripts will be available in the event app. □ Event App Accessibility: Our event app is screen-reader compatible, and provides real-time updates for easier navigation. #During the Event □ Session Accessibility: Accessible seating, reserved spots for those with mobility devices, and ASL interpreters are available at key sessions. Check the app or schedule for more information. □ Meal & Break Options: Dietary accommodations are available at all meals. Attendees with food allergies or specific dietary needs can contact our team or visit the Disability Help Desk for more information." #AccessibleEvents #InclusionMatters #EventPlanning #DisabilityInclusion #Trailblazer

Creating Inclusive and Family-Friendly Events As the new academic year begins, a wide range of activities—including social events, award ceremonies, and club meetings—are starting to take place, often scheduled after 5 pm. These events are highly valued, as they foster personal connections, facilitate the exchange of ideas, and help build networks crucial for future opportunities. No one wants to miss out on these valuable experiences! With that in mind, I kindly urge organizers to consider the needs of those with family responsibilities when planning these events. While I am fortunate to be able to afford after-school care (2:45-5:30 pm), attending events after 5 pm often requires me to either hire additional help or rely on my spouse to manage pick-up, dinner, and other family duties. Unfortunately, not everyone has these options available, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear of missing out, and concerns about being excluded from important networking opportunities. To help make these events more inclusive, here are a few suggestions: • Whenever possible, avoid scheduling work-related events after 5 pm. • Consider hosting social gatherings from 3-5 pm as a great way to conclude the workday. • Lunches, as well as morning or afternoon coffee/tea sessions, can also be excellent alternatives. • If events must be held after 5 pm, please consider providing accommodations for families with children. This could include setting up a kids’ area, offering babysitting services, or choosing a child-friendly venue. Thank you for taking the time to consider these suggestions and for making every effort to ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued. Cheers!

Did you know that 24 Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata were made accessible this year for people with disabilities for the very first time? For a city that lives and breathes Durga Pujo, this initiative brought a new dimension to what celebration can mean. The goal was simple: to make the world’s largest public art festival universally accessible through a pilot project by massArt, UNESCO, IIT Kharagpur, and the United Nations. Ramps and lifts were added to temporary pandals, Braille signage guided visitors, QR codes allowed access to sign language interpretation, and calm zones were created for people who needed a breather from the crowd and chaos. Every small addition carried a large impact. When we recorded this episode of Make Calcutta Relevant Again (MCRA), I had the privilege of speaking with Shombi Sharp, Dr. Haimanti Banerji, and Priyanka Ghosh, who have each shaped this movement in their own way. Dr. Haimanti, professor of architecture and regional planning at IIT Kharagpur, explained how these frameworks align with India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD 2016), which recognises 21 forms of disability, from locomotor and visual to cognitive and intellectual. Her team developed SOPs to ensure pandals meet accessibility benchmarks, including design guidelines for slope, flooring, lighting, and movement. She spoke about the Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI), the yellow tiles we often see at airports and stations, which became part of this awareness effort too, helping visually impaired visitors navigate safely. Even Braille glossaries were curated for essential words like “entry,” “exit,” and “toilet.” Priyanka Ghosh, a sign language educator and disability rights advocate, added how volunteer training and interpreter presence make festivals emotionally accessible, too. And Shombi’s insights connected it all back to the UN’s global principle of “leaving no one behind.” And then came the story shared by Shombi Sharp, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, about how a father brought his 17-year-old daughter, a wheelchair user, to a pandal for the very first time in her life. He said it was the first time they could celebrate Durga Pujo together as a family. That single moment captured everything this project aims to deliver, turning inclusion from an idea into an experience. Kolkata has always shown the world how art and emotion can coexist. Now, it’s showing how empathy and design can too. And maybe that’s what relevance truly means, when a city learns to celebrate its people by including all of them. The episode is live!

𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞: 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐦 Inclusive design isn’t an optional layer in urban planning ,it's a #fundamental_responsibility. When we integrate thoughtful amenities, recreational features, and facilities for #people_with_disabilities, we build cities that truly #serve_everyone. #Key_accessible features to consider in outdoor and public spaces include: 𝟏- 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬: Continuous, non-slip, wide walkways with tactile paving for guidance. 𝟐- 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬: Benches with armrests, appropriate height, and wheelchair companion spaces. 𝟑- 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 & 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬: Sensory play elements, wheelchair- accessible swings, and soft-surface zones. 𝟒- 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 & 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞: High-contrast wayfinding, braille markers, and auditory cues. 𝟓- 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬 & 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: Fully compliant universal access toilets and adult changing places. 𝟔- 𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Ramps, drop kerbs, proper gradient slopes, and barrier-free access at all entries. 𝟕- 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬: Frequent shaded pauses along pedestrian routes to support comfort and mobility needs. 𝟖- 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 & 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬: Gentle ramp access to boardwalks, seating nodes, and viewing platforms. 𝟗- 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 & 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬: Outdoor gym equipment and recreational courts designed for inclusive use. 🇼🇭🇾 🇮🇹 🇲🇦🇹🇹🇪🇷🇸⦂ When people with disabilities are welcomed into the public realm not as an afterthought but as #active_participants we strengthen the social, economic, and cultural fabric of our cities. #Inclusive_spaces encourage engagement, independence, community interaction, and a healthier #public_life_cycle where everyone can contribute and belong. Designing for accessibility is not just good practice. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬. #LandscapeArchitecture #UrbanDesign #CoastalDesign #StreetscapeDesign #CornicheDevelopment #PublicRealm #CityPlanning #UrbanDevelopment #SustainableDesign #GreenInfrastructure #InfrastructureDesign #Placemaking #UrbanTransformation #LandscapeEngineering #EnvironmentalDesign #AbuDhabi #Dubai #UAEJobs #UAEArchitecture #UAELandscape #MiddleEastDesign #GCCProjects #UniversalDesign #CommunityWellbeing

Accessibility looks very different depending on who you ask ♿ When many non-disabled people think about whether a venue is wheelchair accessible, the questions are: ➤ Is it step-free? 
➤ Is there a lift? And that’s often the entire checklist. But if you ask a wheelchair user to assess the same venue, the mental checklist looks very different. We’re thinking about things like: 🚪 Door width - can a wheelchair actually fit through? 🔁 Turning space – is there room to manoeuvre or is everything cramped? 🚻 Accessible loos - are they genuinely usable, or just labelled accessible? e.g. no grab rails, no turning space, being used as a supply closet 🪑 Table height and layout – can you sit at the table comfortably? Is it too low to roll a wheelchair under it? 🛗 Lift reliability – does it work consistently or break down every week? Is there more than one lift? (When moving house I only considered apartment blocks with multiple lifts) 🚧 Thresholds and “just one step” - the classic barrier businesses forget about. Not all wheelchairs can get over a 2 inch lip. 🅿️ Accessible parking nearby 📏 Counter height - can you actually interact with staff? 🧭 Clear routes through the space – or is it an obstacle course of furniture? Accessibility isn’t a single feature, it’s an entire user journey. And this is exactly why I’m passionate about: ✅ Disabled people being prioritised for accessibility roles
 ✅ Lived experience groups being embedded in strategy and design
 ✅ Accessibility being evaluated by the people who actually use it Because accessibility designed without disabled people often misses the most basic things. It’s also why I love platforms like Sociability: accessibility information about venues written by disabled people, for disabled people. Businesses still routinely: ➤ Misunderstand what “accessible” means ➤ Describe places with “just one step” as accessible ➤ Or fail to provide clear information at all And that uncertainty can be the difference between someone going out or staying home. Accessibility expertise isn’t theoretical. For many of us, it’s daily lived experience. Value it. #Accessibility #DisabilityInclusion #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #InclusiveDesign #LivedExperience #AccessibleSpaces