Access and Inclusion – Resources

There are many ways you can improve access for Deaf, disabled, blind, chronically ill, and neurodivergent people across your activities.

Make it easier for disabled people to request access requirements.

Do your own research and/or train your staff – see resources below. Hire disabled people.

Invite artists, staff and contractors to share their Access Docs. You do not have to identify as disabled to create an access doc. See Access Docs for Artists.

Do not rely solely on the lists on this page – use the Resources linked below!

Contact me if you’re interested in training or consultancy on improving access and inclusion.

Simple changes you can make

  • Give an audio description of yourself or what you’re wearing the first time you speak at an event
  • Capitalise hashtags so that people using #ScreenReaders can read them
  • Add image and video descriptions to Alt text on social media posts and in documents
  • Underline link text in documents and on websites
  • Increase your email and document font size minimum to 14 points, or make your web fonts larger, eg 20+ pixels
  • Use sans serif fonts, try the Open Dyslexic font or bionic reading app
  • Become an ally and advocate for better access, especially from businesses and organisations

Make your website more accessible

  • Add Alt text to your images and videos
  • Avoid all-caps and text overlaying images
  • Use WebAIM resources and tools to understand up-to-date web accessibility, test colours, contrast ratios and web page access issues
  • Download and the NVDA screen reader (free/donation) to test your website
  • Use an accessible-ready WordPress theme or website builder
  • Plugins/overlay apps won’t fix everything and can sometimes get in the way!
  • If you dabble in code HTML/PHP/etc, use W3 Schools accessibility guide and read the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
  • Links:
    • Reduce links that open in a new tab
    • State ‘opens in a new tab’ within link text
    • Don’t use ‘click here’, state what the page is in the text, eg read more About me

Organising an event, project or activity?

How inclusive will your event, project or activity be?

How can you build in extra time, flexibility and budgets for access?

  • Live captions for digital events
  • Subtitle recordings
  • Sign language interpreting
  • Wheelchair accessible spaces and toilets
  • Comfortable seating
  • Comfort breaks every hour
  • Digital access for in-person events (hybrid)
  • Free and sliding scale tickets
  • Fair pay for artists and contractors
  • State what access is in place, including venue access, hearing loops, steps, etc
  • Have a space for people to add access requirements during event booking
  • Safety for clinically vulnerable attendees: mask wearing, hand sanitiser, ventilation, lateral flow tests
  • Quiet space (private, with low lighting, blankets, cushions, stim aids; some people may need a space to lie down and rest and/or stretch)
  • Develop a Safer Spaces policy
  • Relaxed environment
  • Gender neutral toilets with sanitary bins
  • Travel, data and childcare/carer bursaries

How intersectional will your event, project or activity be?

Will there be some representation from and/or friendly to underrepresented and marginalised communities, including:

  • Global Majority, Black people and People of Colour (BPOC)
  • Deaf, disabled, blind, chronically ill, neurodivergent
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Women and non-binary people
  • People from a working-class or socioeconomically disadvantaged background

What is an Access Doc?

An access doc, AKA ‘access rider’ is a document which lists and explains your access requirements. Anyone can create an access doc – you do not have to identify as disabled.

Maybe you find verbal instructions easier to process or remember than written instructions. Maybe you are forgetful and need reminders. Maybe you are sensitive to light, are dyslexic, D/deaf or Hard of Hearing, or chronically ill… View examples of Access Docs for Artists.

Resources

Social Model of Disability (Shape Arts)

Access Docs for Artists – how to create and/or use an access doc

Birds of Paradise Resources – resources from a majority disabled-led production company

Chronic Illness Inclusion – resources and advocacy from a disabled-led organisation

Disability Arts Online – disabled-led arts and culture journal

Dyslexia-friendly guide by British Dyslexia Association

Inklusion Guide – access and inclusion guide for authors and the literature sector

Literature Alliance Scotland EDI Resource Bank

Not Going Back to Normal – Disabled Artists Manifesto

Shape Arts Resources – resources from a disability-led arts organisation 

Unlimited resources – access and inclusion toolkits and resources for artists, creatives, producers, programmers and organisers, from a majority disabled-led arts organisation.

Fair minimum pay for artists, creatives and freelancers:

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