Accessibility guidelines · Together Alliance toolkit

Accessibility guidelines

Accessibility should be the foundation of everything your local Together Alliance does – not something to be added in later. If people cannot access a single aspect of something, they cannot participate in any of it.

Accessibility falls into multiple areas, here are some basics:

In-Person Accessibility

At indoor and outdoor in-person events aim to include:

Step-free access, wheelchair-accessible routes, and accessible seating options

Accessible restrooms and clearly marked pathways

Accessible restrooms for all genders including non-binary people

BSL (British Sign language) interpretation

Audio description for visual programming

Visual interpreters when needed

Sensory-friendly spaces or quiet/chill zones for rest and regulation

Clear signage, including sensory zone indicators and wayfinding

Accessible food and beverage options when available, with consideration for dietary needs

Staff or volunteers available to support access needs on-site

Masks and earplugs should be made available for those who need them

All written material provided in accessible simple, straightforward, language. Avoid using big academic jargon, and steer clear of abbreviations or using initials in place of full names.

All material should be available in easy format or large print if requested.

If possible, provide hybrid virtual option at physical meetings to enable those unable to attend to take part

Remember – when meetings are hybrid then the virtual meeting rules apply.

Virtual Accessibility

At virtual and hybrid programmes make sure you include:

Live captioning and/or transcripts

BSL (British Sign Language) interpretation when requested, or built into programming

Screen-reader accessible materials and platforms

Clear verbal descriptions of visual content

Flexible participation options (chat, audio, video)

Recordings to be made available, when possible, to support asynchronous access

When taking part in virtual meetings, always remember to use simple straightforward language. Steer clear of academic jargon, abbreviations, and regional slang.

With both physical and virtual meeting please be aware every impairment is unique. Always offer options to contact the organisers if participants have individual access needs.

People’s attitudes and behaviours can prove as big an obstacle as physical barriers to those with disabilities, so make sure organisers are aware of these.