Accessibility Considerations For Events

You don’t stop being disabled when conference or event sessions end, so why do so many organisers forget about inclusion at conference dinners and networking events? It’s great to see more events offering sign language interpreters, quiet rooms, and accessible seating during the main agenda. But what about during the coffee breaks? The networking dinner? The drinks at the end? If those adjustments vanish the moment the keynote’s over, it’s not inclusion – it’s performance. Disabled people don’t just attend the content. We build relationships, grab lunch, join the side conversations. And if those moments aren’t accessible, we’re being excluded from the most valuable parts of the day. Having sign language interpreters available throughout all event elements; keeping quiet rooms open; offering seated areas during networking; telling people food and drink menus in advance; offering sighted assistance for intros; having portable hearing loops in place; or providing enetworking options. These are all things you can do to show you actually want to host an inclusive event in full, not just meet minimum requirements. Inclusion isn’t a scheduled item. It’s a commitment. #DisabilityInclusion #Disability #DisabilityEmployment #Adjustments #DiversityAndInclusion #Content

Are networking events really built for everyone? If you’re an introvert like me, typical networking events can feel chaotic and overwhelming—more of a noisy crowd than a space to forge real connections. But here’s a powerful alternative: host your own networking event. It might sound counterintuitive, but when you’re in control, you can design a setting that actually fosters meaningful connections, tailored to your comfort and style. ➡ Rethink the format ⬅ Many networking events are designed by extroverts, for extroverts, creating a noisy, impersonal environment. ➡ Curate the experience ⬅ Hosting your own event allows you to shape it to suit your style—whether that’s a small group or a quieter venue. ➡ Foster meaningful connections ⬅ By setting up an environment that lets you and your guests get to know each other better, you create space for genuine relationships. ➡ Add value for attendees ⬅ When you plan the guest list and share information in advance, people can come prepared and get more from the experience. When we take the initiative to build our own spaces, we’re not just networking; we’re building communities that fit us. #networking #strategy #careers

Just because I can’t eat, doesn’t mean I dont want to be included. The festive period is around the corner, and it can be one of the most difficult times living with a feeding tube, as even more so than it usual, talk and gatherings of food heighten. So how do we promote inclusion for everyone around the table? 1. Access to facilities and private spaces: always provide access to a private space for somebody to disconnect or connect their tubes, which is clean and private and bathrooms with sanitatary bins. 2. Respectful curiosity and judgement free: never judge, stare, ask intrusive questions to anybody who may not be eating, eating something different, or has different food habits. Any questions should be asked respectfully and with the intent of inclusion not embarrassment. 3. Ask before laying a place at the table: some people like to have a place laid for them even if they are not eating, others do not. Some people will bring their own implements and food so always ask in advance what makes that person feel most comfortable. 4. Shift focus away from food and drink: ensure that games, conversations and activities are not just focused around the food and drink to be inclusive of fun for everyone. Where food is a central part of something, think of providing alternatives such as a table activities. 5. Ask about food and drink in advance: ask someone’s preferences about what they need well in advance to avoid making anyone feel uncomfortable for declining or not being able to join in. Remember most people with feeding tubes can still eat but usually specific or small amounts. 6. Welcome those bringing their own food: feeding tube users often have safe foods which don’t upset their stomachs, or a strict diet they must adhere to, so always welcome people brining their own food with them. 7. Respect allergies and triggers: always ask someone’s dietary requirements in advance, and take strict care with cross-contamination. Also be conscious of certain foods which might be triggering. 8. Reserve space at the end of the table/exit: if set places try and place someone with a tube at the end of the table or near facilities so they feel more able to get and down from the table. 9. Don’t forget our invite to events: just because we might not participate in the same way, doesn’t mean we don’t want to be included! #Disability #Disabled #FeedingTube #Food #Christmas Image description: The image is a black square graphic, across the top in white and bold writing it reads ‘How to: feeding tubes, inclusion at the table’. In the top right hand corner is a picture of Celia and Jamie, Jamie has a cream cake in his hand in front of Celia, she is leaning down with wide eyes to smell it. Underneath are nine yellow, pink and blue coloured boxes with heading text and little descriptive symbols using the headings from the points of this written text above. In the bottom right hand corner is the Disabled By Society logo in pink and white.

Neurodiversity 101: How to host neuroinclusive meetings/conferences Creating neuroinclusive environments in workplace meetings can significantly improve engagement and productivity, especially for those with neurodivergent traits. Here are some practical tips on how to make your meetings more accessible and comfortable for all participants. Alternative feedback methods Not everyone is comfortable with handwriting feedback due to difficulties such as dysgraphia. Offer alternatives like setting up a camera for verbal feedback or using digital tools like voice-to-text applications. This ensures that everyone has the opportunity to contribute in a way that suits them best. Could you use Post-IT for some....different ways on offer... Polling on phones? Warm up a cold room! Start meetings with some warm-up time to help attendees settle in if they are new to the event/place/meeting. Plan for regular breaks and be flexible with how time is spent to accommodate different needs. This flexibility can help maintain focus and reduce stress for those who might feel overwhelmed by long, uninterrupted sessions. Does every meeting need to be 60 minutes? Who needs to be 'in the room' and who could be attending just as well virtually? Who doesn't need to be there at all! Consider the environment Pay attention to the lighting, temperature, and surrounding noises in your meeting space. Adjustments in these areas can help prevent sensory overload and create a comfortable environment for all attendees. Accessibility of materials Provide transcripts of talks and make recordings available to attendees. For presentations that include a lot of information, avoid asking for immediate decisions. Instead, provide a written version of the details and allow time for consideration. This helps attendees process information at their own pace and contribute more effectively. Thoughtful seating arrangements Keep seats at the end of rows in conferences free so that attendees can easily get up and move without disruption. Also, consider arranging some seating around the edges of the room for those who are uncomfortable with movement behind them. Structured discussions In group discussions, keep the groups small and give everyone time to express their opinions without interruptions or unsolicited questions. This structure helps to ensure that all voices are heard and valued. Encouraging feedback post-event after a conference or training event Recognise that some individuals may feel uncomfortable voicing their ideas or questions during the event. Encourage feedback after the meeting via different channels, allowing for more thoughtful and inclusive participation. What else do you suggest?

Networking events can be a nightmare for neurodivergent folks. The unspoken rules. The overwhelming noise. The pressure to "just go up and introduce yourself." If you actually want your event to be neurodivergent-friendly, here are some easy wins: ⏰ set clear start and end times - predictability helps 🤝 facilitate introductions & people meeting - don’t leave people stranded in the “just go talk to someone” abyss 🗣️ create small-group space - not just one big, loud room (who doesn't find that overwhelming? 😅) 🎧 reduce sensory overload - think natural lighting, lower noise, and multiple conversation zones. 🤫 have a quiet/break room - a place to recharge can make a huge difference. 👕 ditch the rigid dress codes - let people wear what feels good. 👃 go scent-free - strong perfumes, colognes, and air fresheners can be overwhelming 🍽️ offer sensory-friendly snacks. A lot of conference food can be awful, with few options for more particular eaters. One of my favourite examples is the DIY pasta station at the College Autism Network. They had plain noodles separate from cheese and sauces so attendees could mix and match and choose their own adventure as needed. What am I missing? -- p.s. I'm planning ND Connect's first in-person member meetup. So anything else I should be considering is so helpful right now and appreciated :)

Want better participation? Tell people what to expect in advance. This is a simple and powerful accessibility practice. (and Free!) Some people need more time and information to prepare for meetings, events, or new situations. For example: Autistic people may have a hard time with uncertainty, and knowing what to expect ahead of time is important. Others with ADHD may need more time to organize their thoughts or plan their schedule. Knowing what to expect can help us prepare and reduce anxiety. This is not just for neurodivergent people. Clear information in advance helps most people focus and participate at their best.... including those who may be new to the company, the culture, or who simply prefer details ahead of time. Example: The Museum of Flight in Seattle practices this by sharing a "Social Narrative" on their website. It is a PDF guide that uses photos and short descriptions to show visitors what they will see, hear, and experience before they arrive. (available in English, Spanish and Chinese) Social Narratives are an accessibility tool developed to support Autistic visitors, but also benefit many others. Examples of how you can apply this at work: - Send a meeting agenda before the meeting - Tell people in advance if you want them to present - Share photos of a venue or check-in location before an event - Give new employees a written overview of their first day, including where to park, where to enter the building, who will meet them, and who to call if they get stuck. 💬 What examples would you add? When people know what to expect, they can show up more prepared to participate at their best. This is your Minds of All Kinds tip of the week. For more cognitive accessibility tips, read my chapter in "Digital Accessibility Ethics: Disability Inclusion in All Things Tech" edited by Lainey Feingold, Reginé Gilbert, MBA and Chancey Fleet. #Accessibility #CognitiveAccessibility #NeuroInclusion [Image description: A square black and white graphic. Headline: "Tell people what to expect in advance." Below the headline is an illustration of a map with a location pin and a dotted route. Three bullet points: "Send an agenda," "Share photos of the venue," and "Tell people if they will be asked to speak." Below the bullets in bold italic text: "What examples would you add?" The Minds of All Kinds TIPS logo]

Planning a holiday party isn’t just about picking out decorations or sending fancy invitations. It’s about ensuring every employee, including those with disabilities, can participate comfortably and enjoy the celebration. From making sure invitations are accessible to creating truly optional events, there are simple but impactful ways to make everyone feel included. When we don’t think through digital and physical accessibility, we unintentionally exclude people before the event even begins. Ever received an invitation that’s a fancy PDF? Imagine trying to navigate that with a screen reader. Or think about how flashing lights can turn a festive environment into a risk for people with epilepsy. Want to create a holiday party that celebrates everyone? Consider adding a quiet zone, keeping decorations sensory-friendly, and checking that your venue layout supports mobility needs. And remember, “optional” should actually mean optional, without career implications or social pressure. Let’s commit to making this holiday season inclusive. Check out the article for actionable steps to ensure your holiday gatherings are accessible for all. #Inclusion #Accessibility #HolidayParty #CorporateCulture #DiversityandInclusion https://lnkd.in/e2RQkD-Y

Networking needs to be more accessible. Being in a large room of people all talking at once and (hopefully) wearing nametags doesn't work well for me as a deafblind person. How am I supposed to find meaningful and relevant connections? Participating in large conferences requires a lot of energy for me, and I usually don't make as many connections as I could have or as a nondisabled person can make. One challenge is that it’s hard for me to recognize faces even if I know someone online, so I can miss people in the space that I actually would like to meet. With my narrow field of vision and hearing disability, 1:1 conversations are what work best for me, but that isn't always effective at events where people gather in groups. One thing I started doing recently is taking a photo of the nametag of every person I speak to. This takes the pressure off of me having to remember their name or take notes. Another best practice I like is organized networking with matchmaking. At the WITS Travel Creator Summit by Wanderful, creators make profiles and can request meetings with brands. Brands set up 10-minute appointments with us and we have a dedicated time to do these appointments. While this could be further improved, it helps me have many valuable conversations in a short time frame. For future conferences, I’m thinking about how I can adapt to large networking events and what feedback I have for event organizers so I can help these experiences be more accessible for others. How could networking be better for you? #Networking #Accessibility #Conferences #EventPlanning

Is it time to say cheers to alcohol-free work events? 🍻 A recent article in the Financial Times highlights an interesting trend: fewer employees want alcohol at workplace events. With nearly 60% of workers skipping after-hours parties due to family obligations or long commutes, it’s clear the classic “booze-fueled office party” may no longer be the best way to bring people together. Here’s the thing: work events are supposed to be inclusive and enjoyable for everyone, right? So, how can companies adapt to make sure everyone feels welcome—and maybe even excited—to attend? Today, more employees want work events that respect their time and values. Approximately 40% of employees say they feel uncomfortable at work events where alcohol is the main attraction, and that number jumps when considering those who don’t drink for religious or health reasons. And let’s face it, the idea of a late-night party might appeal to some, but for others—especially those with kids or long commutes—it's just another hurdle. This is where more thoughtful, inclusive planning can really make a difference. What if I feel pressured to drink in order to feel "part of the team"? 😰 Peer pressure to drink at work events is real, and it can be uncomfortable if you’re trying to cut back or just don’t drink. In fact, studies show that nearly 1 in 3 employees have felt pressured to drink at a work function to “fit in.” But the truth is, you don’t need alcohol to connect. 👉 Alternative solutions for team events Focusing on bringing people together and creating connections, instead of enhancing the "party atmosphere" with booze can go a long way in making your workplace more inclusive. Some ideas: Flexible timing: Consider a weekday lunch or afternoon event that allows everyone to join without impacting their evening. Active gatherings: Hiking, bowling, escape rooms, or even a friendly volunteer day can help create memorable experiences without relying on alcohol. Creative experiences: Organize workshops, cooking classes, or “bring your hobby” days. These foster a sense of team spirit while allowing people to share interests. And, if you're still feeling pressured to drink at the next Christmas party, here are a few ways to feel like you belong - without the booze: Set boundaries politely: If someone offers you a drink, a simple “I’m good with this!” and a smile is often enough. Practicing these gentle responses can go a long way in avoiding awkwardness and staying true to yourself. Focus on conversation starters: Instead of talking over another drink, find topics or icebreakers to shift the focus toward genuine connections. You'll be surprised how many others appreciate it. #Inclusion isn’t just a policy—it’s found in the everyday choices we make to respect and celebrate each other’s differences. It’s in the thoughtfulness behind work events, the flexibility in how we connect, and the small gestures that make everyone feel they belong. #LinkedInNewsEurope #DEI

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆’𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝗱-𝗼𝗳-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀? As we approach the festive season, many eagerly anticipate the celebrations. But for some, these events can feel isolating. 𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝟮𝟬% 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗞 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸? Whether for health, religious, or personal reasons, many employees may not find a bar or alcohol-centred event welcoming. In fact, studies show that non-drinkers can feel left out or pressured in alcohol-centric social settings. Some even go to great lengths to avoid drawing attention to their decision, like pretending to drink or making excuses to skip events. This can lead to feelings of exclusion and discomfort, especially when alcohol is seen as a key to networking or building relationships at work. So, what can we do to create a more inclusive environment? 💚Have an honest review of your company or team culture - is networking heavily focused around drinking and could this be excluding people? 💚Check in with your team and see what everyone would enjoy and feel comfortable with. 💚Think outside the box – look into alternatives to traditional alcohol-centred events, such as creative workshops, team-building activities, or even a casual lunch. 💚Always ensure a good selection of non-alcoholic beverages (including healthier options) are on offer so that no one feels singled out. 💚Empower your team to set boundaries – Encourage transparency and respect for personal choices. Focusing on incorporating wellbeing, creativity, and inclusivity helps create an authentic space for bonding and connection. The options are endless! You could think about an art or cooking session together, drumming, afternoon tea, laughter yoga, sound baths or days in the forest…Do any of these rock your boat, or do you have other ideas to add? 🤩 What steps is your company taking to ensure inclusivity this holiday season and beyond? What has been your experience as a non-drinker this time of year? #lovegreenhealth #workplacewellbeing #alchoholfree #workplaceinclusion #inclusiveworkplace #teambuilding #AlcoholFree #SoberCelebrations