Rationale and Table of Contents:

"Nothing About us Without us"

People with disabilities need to be in leadership roles, at the table, and in the planning/decision making process from the very beginning of any planning process. 

"Accessibility is not simply about ramps and toilets. It is a fundamental principle of equity that acknowledges and values diversity of experience and capacity. In the context of a conference, accessibility ensures that disabled speakers, facilitators, attendees, and support staff are not only present but can participate with dignity, independence and equal opportunity. Creating such conditions requires thoughtful planning, informed policy, financial commitment, and community input.

A truly accessible event is one where information is clear, support is available, physical and sensory environments are manageable, and participation is not limited by ability. Doing this well requires engaging with people who experience access barriers and implementing best-practice frameworks throughout every stage of planning." 

- Neil Wallace, Arts Access Aotearoa

• Why is this work important?

• What do we mean by accessible?

How to use this guide

This is a living document - both as it exists here and as it exists for your team. We have set up this resource as a progressive experience - begin with the prompt questions and move through each section at your own pace. Continue to revisit throughout your process and return to it at every point from planning through event follow up. 

This resource is intended to support you in getting started or revising your practices - it is not a substitution for ensuring intersectional representation and disabled leadership within your team or accessing local resources and training opportunities. 

You may not have the budget or resources to do everything that is outlined in this guide. Determine what you CAN do with the budget and resources you have and begin there. Be clear about what you are able to offer at this point. 

Please fill out the survey on the last page of this site to share your questions, additions, or comments - or contact hbryce@lincolncenter.org and jtaylor@lincolncenter.org.

Resources for Creating Accessible Events:

Click here to return to Main Menu