Accessibility - Communication
An important part of making an event accessible is ensuring accessible communications. Think not only about your website, newsletter or printed materials, but also about making communications accessible on the event grounds. On this page you will find more information about accessible communications. This is in addition to the questions from our checklist on communication.
Podcast
In the podcast series Accessible Events, experienced visitors and experts share their experiences and presenter Tim Kroesbergen questions them on how to make it even better. In this episode, Tim talks Willemijn Bollen (Hoogte80 festival) and Stef Steffens (Drift festival) about accessible communication.
Download the transcript of this podcast episode.
External communications
Website
Your event website matters for accessibility in two ways: in using the website itself and in communicating about accessibility.
Accessible website
The Web site itself can be made accessible to people with disabilities. For example, it is important for visitors with visual impairments that the text on the Web site is clearly legible - consider, for example, the contrast of the letters in relation to the background and the use of a clear structure with intermediate headings.
Adding alt text as a description to images ensures that the website can be used with reading software. Furthermore, writing clear text, preferably at B1 level, makes your website more accessible.
Accessibility - Accessible website
Your website is an important factor in determining whether your audience can and will attend your event. This applies to all your (potential) visitors, but certainly also to those with disabilities. To make your website accessible to as many people as possible, there are several things you can pay attention to: from structure and design, use of language to how PDFs and videos are displayed. The tips on this page will help you make sure your website is accessible to everyone!
Information on accessibility
Your website is also an important source of information for people with disabilities to decide if they can attend your event. Therefore, provide clear information about the facilities you have to make your event accessible. This can be done in the text, but it is even clearer to include icons that clearly show the facilities.
Accessibility - Information on your website about accessibility
Your website is an important source of information for people with disabilities to decide if they can attend your event. Therefore, provide clear information about the facilities you have to make your event accessible.
Also, make print materials distributed to raise awareness of your event accessible. Make sure the text is readable by paying attention to contrast. Use clear language at B1 level. And put pictograms on the printed material that make it clear what facilities are available for people with disabilities.
Accessibility - Communications - Printing
Printed matter remains important as a marketing tool: posters and flyers are indispensable for getting audiences to your event. It is also good to consider accessibility when designing and producing printed materials. Things like the choice of paper, illustrations, font, formatting and use of color are all important here.
On the grounds or location
Make your event accessible by tailoring your communication tools on the event grounds to visitors with disabilities. Make sure signs are legible to everyone. Create clear information signs and signage with strong color contrasts, a large font and use pictograms. Don't hang them too high so they are also legible to someone in a wheelchair.
Internal communication
To ensure that visitors with disabilities feel welcome at the event, it is important that staff members are aware of the accessibility measures in place. Therefore, give the staff clear instructions on what facilities are in place so that they are prepared if questions come from visitors with disabilities.
Inclusive language
Language is the means by which we communicate and convey our message. The words you choose, consciously or unconsciously, always leave an impression. To avoid unintentionally putting yourself or your event at a disadvantage, it is important to take certain things into account. Inclusive language makes as many people as possible feel seen and helps you create a wider reach.
Inclusive language
Language is the means by which we communicate and convey our message. The words you choose, consciously or unconsciously, always leave an impression. To avoid unintentionally putting yourself or your event at a disadvantage, it is important to take certain things into account. Inclusive language makes as many people as possible feel seen and helps you create a wider reach.