Quick Actions
- Select venues with accessible entrances, restrooms, elevators, and parking.
- Ask Technical Committee members in advance what accommodations they need to participate fully in the physical meeting, and plan accordingly.
- Provide seating for wheelchairs, quiet areas, and easy access to exits.
- Use lighting so that people can see faces and interpreters.
- Reduce background noise where possible.
- Offer breaks and allow people to step away without judgment.
- Provide quiet rooms where assistive technologies can be used.
- Ensure access to tech support, adapters, charging stations, and different plug types.
- Avoid working discussions over meals in noisy or informal spaces unless accommodations are provided.
- Remind members not to hold important conversations unless the full committee is present.
More Information
- Canada — Inclusive Event Planning is a government source for planning inclusive events and meetings, including access needs and setup.
- CBM — 30 important accessibility considerations for an event venue is a detailed venue checklist that covers entrances, parking, lighting, noise, quiet spaces, restrooms, and assistive-technology support.
Examples
- USA – American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ensures meeting venues have wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and charging stations. They use a venue checklist to ensure proper accommodations.
- UK – British Standards Institution (BSI) surveys venues in advance to ensure accessibility features like hearing loops and quiet spaces. They also gather feedback to improve future venue selections.
- Australia – Standards Australia selects central, accessible venues with public transport access and offers transportation subsidies for members with mobility needs.
- Canada – Standards Council of Canada (SSC) partners with the government to host meetings at venues that comply with accessibility laws, providing charging stations and quiet areas.