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Accessible Events

WHY DO EVENTS NEED TO BE ACCESSIBLE?

Sinclair’s mission statement is “find the need and endeavor to meet it”. If you are planning an event or a meeting, it is likely that you will not know the needs of all your attendees. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as many as 70% of all Americans will have a temporary or permanent disability at some point in their life. Sinclair strives to see and acknowledge each student, faculty, and staff member, along with our surrounding community, as an important contributor to our belief in equity for all. Sinclair will be viewed as an institution that is welcoming to all, as evidenced by a climate of acceptance and inclusiveness.

We would like to help you get a good start on holding an accessible event that will minimize barriers and increase inclusivity. Event planners are responsible for planning and providing accessibility needs of participants with disabilities for any college sponsored event or meeting. The Accessibility office is available to assist staff and faculty of Sinclair College in planning events. You can contact the Accessibility Services office at 937-512-5113 or accessibility@sinclair.edu.

PLAN AND ASK EARLY

When planning an event, there are many ways to provide accessibility. This could be accessible materials, wheelchair access, interpreting/captioning, and many more. During the registration process, ask participants about needed accommodations. You may utilize our Accessible Meetings & Events Checklist listed at the bottom of the page for a template. Using an accommodation statement in your emails, flyers, registration forms, etc., will allow your event to have the needed tools/supports in place ahead of time. Feel free to use the sample statement below.

  • To ask questions about accessibility or request accommodations, please contact (name) at (include phone and an email address). At least two weeks' advance notice will help us to provide seamless access.

BUDGETING FOR ACCESSIBILITY

When budgeting for your event, don’t forget considering budget for accommodations. Examples of accommodations that may be needed may include ASL interpreting, closed captioning, voice amplification, alternative print, closed captioning, or Braille. Student facing events can be supported by the Accessibility office. If you need help determining what accommodations or budget needs to be considered, please contact the Accessibility office at accessibility@sinclair.edu.

CHECKING THE VENUE FOR ACCESSIBILITY

When determining a meeting or event space, it is essential to go to the venue prior to the event. Consider these accessibility options:

  • Visibility: clear signage, well-lit space, presentation visible from all seating, clear signage and location directions
  • Acoustics: PA systems, microphones, background noise, assistive listening devices, interpreters
  • Mobility: Wheelchair access, accessible bathrooms, ramps/elevators, tablecloth length, etc.
  • Technology: Zoom accessibility, electrical outlets
  • Sensory: soft background music, lowering lighting, intensity of smells
  • Dining facilities and dietary restrictions
  • If meeting requires travel or an overnight stay, ensuring transportation, parking, and hotels are accessible

PRESENTATIONS AND MATERIALS

During the planning process, it is important to ensure all event materials are accessible to all attendees. Below are some tips to follow.

  • Obtain a copy of the presentation, flyers, or other handouts in advance and check presentation materials for accessibility. Materials should be prepared for alternative format versions (large print, Braille, digital access, etc.). Videos should be captioned ahead of time.
  • Use a color contrast checker, ensure text is legible with minimum 12pt. font
  • Check for if captioners or interpreters needed for the presentation
  • Presenters should speak loudly and clearly into a microphone while facing the audience
  • Provide materials in advance of the event if requested

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT OUR ACCESSIBLE EVENTS GUIDE BY USING THE LINK BELOW.

Download the Accessible Meeting & Event Checklist

For further questions or information please contact the Accessibility Services department in 10-424 or by calling 937-512-5113.

RESOURCES

Utilize the resources below for training and tools on website/document accessibility.

REFERENCES

ADA National Network (2015). A Planning Guide for Making Temporary Events Accessible to People. (2015). https://adata.org/guide/planning-guide-making-temporary-events-accessible-people-disabilities

The Ohio State University (n.d.). Planning an Accessible Event. https://ada.osu.edu/planning-accessible-event

Special thanks to Ohio State’s ADA Coordinators Office for allowing Sinclair to utilize information from their accessible event guide.