Want to provide detailed accessibility information for your events and actions on Mobilize but not sure where to start? We've put together this simple guide with examples and resources to help you and your supporters. This article is a work in progress, and we'll be modifying it as we receive feedback from our users.
Have a suggestion for improvements to this guide, or tips for organizing accessible events? We'd love to hear it: [email protected]
For more information about how to provide accessibility information on your Mobilize events and actions, check out our how-to article for providing accessibility information.
Table of contents
How do I know if my event or action is accessible/ADA compliant?
Before you book a venue or piece of software for your event, it's best practice to consider whether or not it will exclude your supporters from attending. Generally, it's best to reach out to the venue, software provider, or an accessibility specialist to see if the way you intend to host your event qualifies as ADA compliant. Additionally, we suggest having a designated accessibility lead available to answer questions.
Here are some resources we recommend for checking the accessibility of your event:
For in-person events
ADA Checklists for Existing Facilities (New England ADA Center)
A Planning Guide for Making Temporary Events Accessible to People with Disabilities (ADA National Network)
For online events
Ensuring Virtual Events are Accessible to All (RespectAbility)
Resources to Help Ensure Accessibility of Your Virtual Events (National Endowment for the Arts)
Digital accessibility resources
An Introduction to Accessibility (Digital.gov)
Accessibility for Teams (Digital.gov)
Building the Woke Web (A List Apart)
A Complete Guide to Acessibility Tooling (Smashing Magazine)
How do I know if my event has specific accessibility features?
These are our general recommendations for the settings we have available , but refer to the official ADA guidelines to make sure your venue or event qualifies.
Accessible restrooms
There are restrooms at your venue that have a doorway that is at least 32 inches wide, enough turning space for a wheelchair, and no steps to enter.
Dedicated parking spots
Your venue has accessible parking spots that are at least 8 feet wide.
Wheelchair ramps
Your event has a ramp to enter the building that can accommodate wheelchairs. Should have a slope of no more than 1:12, and a width of no less than 36 inches.
Wide doorways/walkways
Doorways and walkways at your event are at least 32 inches wide.
Mainly flat ground
The ground at your event has little or no slope.
No stairs or steps
Your event has a flat path along the route/through the entryway.
Dedicated seating
Your event has spaces designed for wheelchairs, that include features such as an accessible approach, clear floor space, and larger dimensions.
Live/closed captioning
Captions and transcripts are available for for supporters.
Audio descriptions for video
Videos at your event have verbal descriptions for supporters who are blind or have low vision.
ASL interpretation
American sign language interpretation is available at your event.
Spanish interpretation
Spanish language interpretation is available at your event.
COVID-19 safety protocols
Social distancing, hand sanitizer, mask wearing, etc. are required at your event.
How can I make the description of my event accessible?
The way you describe your event can also impact a supporter's ability to attend. Here are a few ways to make your description and communications accessible:
Explain what your event is about in plain, clear, and non-jargony language.
Try to avoid underlining text, and using emojis and all caps.
Wherever possible, break up your instructions and descriptions using bulleted or numbered lists, and distinct headings for sections of content.
Be sure to write in short sentences, and express only one thought per sentence.
For more information about writing in plain language, check out plainlanguage.gov.
What is a good example of clear accessibility information?
It's best to provide as much up-front detailed and factual information as possible in the description and accessibility section of your signup page. Here's a good example of detailed accessibility information provided by some users of our platform:
Free parking to the north and south of the venue and on the access streets. Cement amphitheater with stairs and rows of seats. Wheelchair accessible sidewalks, ramp, and smooth wide sidewalks to the rear of the venue. Large long lawns to the north east and south east of the Lagoon available for seating, blankets and picnics, handicap accessible. Handicap accessible public restrooms available. If you need interpretation, translation, or another accomodation, please email [Email address] or text [Name] at [Phone number].
Other details you may want to consider
Does your venue have gender-neutral restrooms?
Could your event be harmful to those with drug, alcohol, or other addictions?
Does your event have accommodations for parents with young children?
What should people with food allergies or sensitivities to certain scents know about your event?
Will your event have materials or signage in large print or braille?
Sources