Originally Written by
Marie Stark
See through barriers. Making conferences and events accessible to people who are blind.
People who are blind frequently encounter barriers that prevent their full participation in meetings, conferences, and exhibits. Here are a few low-cost and no-cost ideas to make people who are blind feel welcome:
The Announcement: Invite participants to identify their needs in advance.
Mention the availability of material in multiple formats such as large print, Braille, audio, and electronic. Avoid using the word ‘special’ as these needs are not frills.
Circulate notices electronically. Many people who are blind have access to computers with speech readout, refreshable Braille displays or enlarged text.
Call people who are blind or have low vision before the event with orientation information such as the route from the nearest bus stop to the event, room layout, amenities and washroom locations, food services and menu choices.
If people are referred to a website for information, ensure that the site meets world wide web consortium access standards. People who are blind often have difficulty accessing information in a windows environment because of design barriers including graphics, frames, charts and programs such as Adobe Acrobat.
The Facility
When choosing a location, consider the needs of people who do not drive.
Is the bus service in close proximity to the event location?
Are there sidewalks?
Is there someone at the entrance to give directions?
Is the route from the entrance to the event uncluttered and free from obstacles that are not detectable by cane?
Registration
When someone who is blind approaches the registration table,
Explain the registration process and signage information.
Describe options and choices, including cost implications. Do not assume that people who have a visual disability will want the cheapest choice available.
Ensure that the participants name tag has a tactile indicator so that they can put it on the right way up.
You can put the tag on for the guest, but ask first. Explain color or other activity coded information on the tag.
Review the information kit and explain all documents.
People receiving multiple formats should also be given the full printed kit for their company’s files or discussion with colleagues.
The Event
The first announcement at each event should include:
The identification of the speaker, topics to be covered, order of speakers, how people will be recognized during discussion, time table for sessions, amenities, such as where to find the washrooms, and relieving areas for guide dogs
Lunch and receptions.
Announcements about what’s offered help everyone to enjoy a social event. For instance, this evening we have three buffets and two bars. With your back to the entrance door, there is a bar with an attendant to the right of the door where cocktails are available. Using the same reference point, you will find, in the far left-hand back corner, a self-service table for wine. At the island in the center of the room, are warm items including pizza, potato skins, chicken wings, etcetera.
Catering staff should be advised to announce the food they are serving on hors d’ œuvre trays as they approach groups of people at the reception.
Self-service meals can present obstacles. Announcing the menu before meal breaks allows everyone to know the choices offered. Some people who are blind may prefer to go through the buffet line-up while others may prefer to be served at a table. Having well-trained catering staff available to discretely assist greatly increases the integration of participants who are blind.
By trying to incorporate as many of these suggestions as possible at your next event, you make people with visual disabilities feel welcome.