6 Tips to Make Your Community Event Inclusive for All!

Community events have a special way of bringing people together, creating unforgettable moments and fostering a sense of belonging. However, it's important to remember that not everyone experiences these events in the same way. For individuals with additional needs, attending community events can sometimes present unique challenges due to barriers and lack of accessibility. It’s our collective responsibility to create warm and inclusive spaces that cater to the diverse needs of all community members.

Enriched Care Solutions specialises in community access disability support services, here in Launceston. In this blog post, we’re sharing our top 6 tips for embracing all abilities at community events.

Before we embark on our journey towards creating inclusive spaces, let’s take a moment to understand the wide spectrum of additional needs that people may have. From physical disabilities to sensory impairments, cognitive challenges, and mental health conditions, each person is unique. It's crucial that we adopt a warm and person-centered approach that acknowledges and respects these individual differences.

"Disability doesn't mean inability. It's about providing opportunities and creating inclusive spaces where everyone can participate and thrive…Inclusion is not just about physical access, it's about making sure people with disabilities feel welcomed, respected, and included in all aspects of society." Dylan Alcott | Paralympian, Order of Australia 2009 Recipient, Disability Advocate & Philanthropist

6 Tips for Planning for Inclusivity: Collaborating and Caring Together

1)     Collaborate with Diverse Stakeholders: The first step towards creating an inclusive event is to collaborate with individuals, families, advocacy groups, local disability support service providers and organisations that represent people with additional needs. By engaging them during the event planning process, we gain valuable insights into the challenges they face and the accommodations they may require. This collaborative approach helps ensure that their voices are heard and that we tailor our event to meet their needs.

2)    Embracing Accessibility: Undertake an audit of the event venue, ensuring that no stone is left unturned. Identify areas that may present challenges, such as ramps, parking, entrances, seating arrangements, restrooms, and communication systems. By addressing these shortcomings and making necessary modifications, we can create an inclusive environment where everyone can fully participate.

3)    Communication and Information: Warm and accessible communication is key. Provide clear and easy-to-understand information about the event, using multiple channels such as websites, social media, and printed materials. By ensuring that event details, including the schedule, transportation options, and contact information for accessibility inquiries, are readily available, we empower individuals to make informed decisions and feel confident about attending.

4)    Empowering Staff and Volunteers: Our amazing event staff and volunteers play a vital role in creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. By providing comprehensive training on disability awareness, etiquette, and appropriate support, we equip them with the tools they need to interact respectfully with people of all abilities. Let's nurture an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and understood.

5)    Sensory Considerations: We must be sensitive to individuals with sensory sensitivities. Creating quiet zones where people can retreat if they become overwhelmed is an excellent way to provide a warm and welcoming environment. By considering the impact of noise, lighting, and visual stimuli, we can make adjustments that enhance the experience for all attendees.

6)    Harnessing Assistive Technology: Harness the power of assistive technology to create an inclusive event. By offering hearing loops, captioning services, and braille materials, we ensure that everyone can access the content and fully engage in the event. Additionally, providing sign language interpretation for presentations or performances makes the event more inclusive and enjoyable for individuals with hearing impairments.

We hope these tips are a helpful place to start! Why not share them within your community today? If you’d like to talk with the Enriched Care team further about how we can help you make your community events more accessible, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you 😊