It is always a good time to consider how to make events more inclusive. It is our job, our responsibility, to make events as accessible to all people as possible. Maximum accessibility enables all attendees to feel included, avoiding any feelings of isolation and enriching the diversity of the event at the same time.
As we strive for ultimate inclusivity and diversity at events, it is crucial to create spaces that cater to individuals with different neurological conditions and abilities. If we understand and embrace neurodiversity, we can foster environments where everyone feels valued and included. Now those are events to be truly proud of, right?
Events planned with real neuro-accessibility in mind, create environments for individuals with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences to attend with minimal barriers and maximum engagement. Whether it’s through sensory-friendly environments or tailored communication strategies, neurodiverse events prioritise the needs of all attendees.
Practically speaking, letโs explore what can be done:
Communicate for awareness – from the get-go, communicate the steps being taken to create a neuro-inclusive event. This promotes much-needed awareness of neurodiversity and may encourage somebody with neurological differences to attend.
Hybrid – is the event suitable to be a hybrid event, creating an option to attend virtually and avoid tangible stressors and potential difficulties? This flexible way of working can be offered to both attendees and to event speakers, all of whom may have specific needs resulting from neurodiversity. Be sure to be clear in advance on the etiquette of online access – cameras and mics on/off, if the chat function is in use, etc.
Communicate the detail – use plenty of digital media, maps, directional signage, to help people visualise the event. Share timings and locations in advance, and shout loud about the agile nature of the event – if people want to sit, they can sit, if they want to stand, they can stand, etc. Promoting the menu choices and providing a detailed dress code well, could also be helpful. Think detail, detail, detail!
Venue selection – ensure good accessibility via public transport, for parking, and from nearby accommodation. Ensure event lighting and colours are considered – bright lights and colours can be overly stimulating for some.
Zones – depending on the size of the event, can areas be created to provide a safe space away from noise, lights, people, and even smells? Sensory retreat spaces, so-to-speak – quiet, dimly lit spaces with minimal people who are fragrance-free.
Stimming – this important act of self-soothing can present in the form of chair rocking, verbal word repetition, hand flapping, or blinking a lot. Providing a safe space for event attendees to stim is valuable and appreciated.
People – ensure plenty of bodies on the ground to signpost and assist. Before the event, communicate who these people are and how they can be identified on the day.
Guide others – work with event speakers and event staff to ensure they have a good understanding of how to deliver their element of the event in an as inclusive way as possible. Ask speakers to provide their materials in advance, to enable some people to process the information better.
Timings – ensure event content isnโt too long to ensure concentration and focus from all attendees.
Catering – avoid smelly foods and ensure diversity within the menu options. Offer priority access to refreshments and at meal times to help people who need to, avoid crowds.
On the day – provide name stickers, on which a coloured dot could be placed to warn any roaming photographers off from taking your picture. To enable conversation and avoid silence, provide conversation topic starters, themed around the event.
Adaptations – provide visual aids.
Post-event – ask for as much feedback as possible and do this using multiple feedback routes. We want to increase inclusivity even more in the future, and this is how it will happen.
By creating an environment that accommodates diverse sensory sensitivities and needs, our events can be places that everyone can fully participate.
In researching this blog, we came upon this beautiful poem. It reads as a reminder to us all of how we must always strive to learn more about others in order to truly appreciate and provide for how wonderfully different we all are.
Sometimes I hope that someone might notice my difference,
Might intuit that the first approach,
The handshake, the “Can I join you?”
Is simply more difficult
And make the first move.
Sometimes I hope that people will realize the hand motions,
Foot tapping, slight rock of the body or toes
Are not merely a restless fidget,
Not impatience, nor disrespect.
Sometimes I want to be invisible,
Normal,
Neurotypical,
To be just another human being,
But mostly I wish to be accepted,
Autistic, quirky, kind, creative,
ME.
Poet From Another Planet
