ADDC Accessible Event Tips and Checklist

1. ADDC Accessible Event Tips and Checklist Tips for organising an accessible event.

2. Rights Based Approach to Meetings • Planning an accessible event? • Not sure where to begin? • Need some useful tips? • Ensure everyone is included. • Ensure participants enjoy the experience.

3. Rights Based Approach to Meetings Objective:to organise meetings and events that are accessible to persons with disabilities Expected result: persons with disabilities can access and participate in meetings and events organised

4. Disability-Inclusive Consultations and Events • Ensure all community members are able to access venue space, instructions and presentations; making consultations and events disability inclusive. • Many people with a disability will not be identifiable and may not elect to disclose their disability so it is important to be as inclusive as possible at all times.

5. Preparation and Invitation Invitation: • Provided in alternative formats • Registrations in a variety of ways • RSVP to include dietary requirements • RSVP to include access or signing requests Other: • Ensure the venue is accessible • Choose an appropriate Caterer • Book signing interpreters in advance

6. Promotion

7. LOCATION: Proximity to: • Airport • Restaurants • Markets • Health services • Public transport

8. Selecting a Venue

9. VENUE CHECKLIST • Accessible: • Central location, Accessible car parking, Entrance / Front door access, ramps and corridor widths comply with Australian Standards • Lifts • Ramps • Accessible toilets • Rooms • Flooring • Dog toilet!

10. VENUE CHECKLIST • Communication: • Hearing augmentation system (hearing Loop) installed • Braille signage on doors and bathrooms • Lapel microphone or an adjustable lectern, sound system • Lighting (even lighting throughout the venue) • Auslan Sign Interpreters (sufficient area on the stage to ensure visibility) • Live captioning (does the venue have broadband access and room for a screen) • Written material available in alternative formats, as required , before and after the event (Braille, large print, audio, electronic)

11. VENUE CHECKLIST • Catering: • Refreshment tables/buffets accessible to wheelchair users • Table height accessible to wheelchair users • Individual dietary requirements catered for • Food types, textures and implements

12. Seating

13. Examples of Accessibility

14. COMMUNICATION

15. Communication

16. Signing Interpreter

17. Reading Material Lighting

18. Permission to Photograph or Film • Sign noting if the event is to be videoed or photographed • Filming/Photograph consent form

19. Consultation Schedule For more information on Disability- inclusive consultations and events, see http://www.inclusive-development.org/cbmtools/part3/1/Accessiblemeetingsorevents.pdf

20. Accommodation Checklist What to look for when inspecting accommodation: • Location • Accessible Parking • Entrances, lifts, ramps and corridor widths comply with Australian Standards • Automatic doors at entrance • Reception accessibility • Flooring • General space in bedroom • Wheelchair accessible bathrooms • Hand rails • Hand held shower head • Shower (freestanding, check if there is step or lip on shower) • Floor to bed height • Room for hoist under bed • Separate bed for assistant • Housekeeping (towels at the correct height, refreshments, cups etc accessible)

21. Care for Dog Guides Photo courtesy of ADDC Photo courtesy of ADDC

22. Transportation • Helpful tips: • Maxi taxi or an accessible bus or shuttle bus may be needed to transport people from the conference venue to their accommodation – hire or book ahead • Provide accessible entrance and car parking details and entrance door details prior to the event

23. Auxiliary Aids and Services: Examples of auxiliary aids and services which may be required include: • sign language interpreters • assistive listening devices • materials in enlarged print, Electronic version (USB or emailed prior to the event) or Braille Examples of auxiliary aids and services which are personal in nature, and may not be required include: • hearing aids • wheelchairs • personal assistants • accessible toilets around the city, venue etc

24. Mobility

25. Travellers Aid Australia • Travellers Aid provides a guide and buggy service for people who have mobility or vision impairment. • Fully-equipped toilets are provided for people with disabilities, Internet facilities at both Flinders Street and Southern Cross services and free personal care for people with disabilities. • When you visit us at Flinders Street Station, we can give you the following assistance: • Internet access • Transport and travel information and short-term luggage storage • Mobility equipment (e.g. wheelchair hire) • Fully accessible bathrooms, adult-change facilities and a ceiling hoist • At Flinders Street Station, the Travellers Aid Access Service (TAAS)  is available • Sunday to Thursday: 8am - 8pm and Friday to Saturday: 8am - 10pm. • Main Concourse (between Platforms 9 & 10) Flinders Street Station, Flinders & Swanston Sts Melbourne • T: (+61 3) 9610 2030 http://www.travellersaid.org.au/

26. I appreciated you including me!This was an excellent event!