Increasing accessibility and inclusion
Inclusion is an underpinning principle for Sustainable Neighbourhoods, and we are committed to ensuring our events and activities are accessible to the greatest possible number of people.
We are currently developing a policy and training for Sustainable Neighbourhoods to enable people with varying access needs to attend our events.
These considerations can make it easier for people to attend and enjoy our events, including for example:
Some more information about Event Accessibility is available from the NSW Government.
These considerations can make it easier for people to attend and enjoy our events, including for example:
- someone with a hearing or vision impairment;
- a wheelchair user;
- someone with an intellectual disability;
- someone with a stroller; or
- an older person.
Some more information about Event Accessibility is available from the NSW Government.
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Updated risk assessment form
We have recently updated our risk assessment form to prompt consideration of accessibility requirements, when planning our events and activities. Please download and use this updated form for your future activities. |
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Some key accessibility considerations
While it may not be possible or suitable to hold all of our events in fully accessible venues, it is important to consider these aspects in your event planning, and make improvements where possible.
Venue and event features
Key access features
Additional access features
Consider the layout of your event
Travel options
Activities and equipment
Key access features
- accessible parking or drop off areas
- wide, flat pathways and entrances
- ramps or lifts to all areas of the building
- accessible toilets
- clear, visual signage
- adequate lighting
- clearly marked, accessible emergency exits
Additional access features
- captioning or hearing loop technology
- good acoustics that avoid background noise
- battery recharge facilities for electric wheelchair users
- Braille markings
- key information provided in large print
- drinking water for companion animals
- designated quiet spaces
Consider the layout of your event
- allow plenty of space between stalls, tables or seating
- consider special viewing areas for those with access needs
- avoid uneven surfaces, obstructions or mobility hazards
- proximity of accessible toilets
Travel options
- accessible drop off zone
- accessible car parking
- identify suitable routes from the nearest bus stop or train station
Activities and equipment
- suitable audio visual equipment for presentations (eg microphone, projector)
- sufficient volunteer numbers to welcome and assist participants
- flexible activities to cater for varying ability levels
- simple instructions
- safe and simple tools
- consider engaging a paid child care worker to offer child minding
- affordability and concessions
Communication and promotions
Promotions
Include details of accessible features in your promotions for the event.
For many people with accessibility needs, trip planning is very important. Providing information about accessibility features of your event will make it easier for everyone to attend.
For example, The Place at Charlestown clearly spells out the facilities available at their venue, and provides detail to help people plan their visit. https://www.theplacecharlestown.org.au/index.jsp?topic=148.
Another example of an accessibility statement could be:
Venue is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking and amenities.
If you have additional access requirements to attend this event, contact ________.
Digital promotions
For digital promotions, always include a text version of your invitation, rather than only including the invitation on a PDF or image. Many people with a vision impairment rely on screen reading or Braille software that does not interact with PDFs or images.
Contact information
Always include both a phone number and digital contact (website or email address) for more information about your event. Some people with disabilities will require one or the other of these methods.
Promotions
Include details of accessible features in your promotions for the event.
For many people with accessibility needs, trip planning is very important. Providing information about accessibility features of your event will make it easier for everyone to attend.
For example, The Place at Charlestown clearly spells out the facilities available at their venue, and provides detail to help people plan their visit. https://www.theplacecharlestown.org.au/index.jsp?topic=148.
Another example of an accessibility statement could be:
Venue is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking and amenities.
If you have additional access requirements to attend this event, contact ________.
Digital promotions
For digital promotions, always include a text version of your invitation, rather than only including the invitation on a PDF or image. Many people with a vision impairment rely on screen reading or Braille software that does not interact with PDFs or images.
Contact information
Always include both a phone number and digital contact (website or email address) for more information about your event. Some people with disabilities will require one or the other of these methods.
