Inclusive Events Checklist
Need a printout? View this information as a PDF below.
Planning an event and wondering how to make it more inclusive? Try implementing some of the ideas below.
Together, we are working to make experiences better for all of our students!
Consider the full spectrum of disabilities: how will your event accommodate physical, mobility, sensory, intellectual, neurological and/or mental health challenges.
Planning in advance
Location: are all event spaces easy to access? Barrier in doorways? Tables set up with enough space between them? Helpers in all spaces?
Schedule: do you have a schedule of events? Are there select times where you anticipate less noise or distraction, or certain times set aside for this? Can you provide a schedule in advance to participants?
Variety of people welcome: caregivers come in all shapes, sizes, and ages! Are there spots that are deemed “just kids” that need to accommodate a caregiver?
Contact: can you provide an email or phone number so that caregivers can get more information about the event in advance?
Event Map or Event Preview: can you provide a preview of what participants may experience, share photos/screenshots of the event and activities? Is a map or layout of the event available?
Getting support
Students with disabilities are entitled to school support staff at PTO and District sponsored events. This should be advertised on all program brochures, flyers, websites and PTO social media announcements.
*please see our SEPTA language guide on how to advertise this District-supported service*
Advertising
Design: can your emails be read by screen readers, enlarged for low vision, and provide alternate text for images? There should always be a text-only version (that includes the same text as that which appears on the flyer) in the body of any email sent out.
Advertising to ALL families: Remember that some schools have self contained special education classrooms. Be sure to confirm that your events and programs are being shared with ALL parents.
At the event
Lights: what is the intensity or brightness of the lights? Are participants able to control this?
Noise: is there a period of time during your event that can have less stimulation. Quiet time, no announcements.
Entrances: are there multiple entrances to your event? Are the entrances accessible for all?
Contrast: does your event signage strive for readability for attendees and caregivers?
“Taster spaces” or “Warm up spaces”: is there a spot that can provide a preview of what is at the event, or a space to warm up to entering the event.
Privacy: are physical spaces for staff, preparation, or other non-public areas marked as private? For virtual events, is there functionality that only organizers are allowed to use?
Personal materials: are participants allowed to bring their own items to the event, and if so, are there limits in size or quantity that are useful to know in advance?
“Pause places”: is there a spot to relax, take a break, and take a breath away from the main activity? Examples: quiet rooms, sensory rooms, virtual breakout rooms
Sensory Friendly Resources: can you provide stress balls, fidgets or headphones? Consider working with your building Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist for some supplies.
Staff resources
Each building has a variety of school support staff who may have suggestions on how to incorporate ALL students in your event or program.
Consider touching base with:
School Psychologist
Building Social Worker
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapist
Speech and Language Pathologist
Building Principal
and of course, SEPTA! Contact us at niskysepta@gmail.com to brainstorm other solutions.
Download this document
2. Inclusive Events Checklist.pdf