Transcript Designing Accessible Meetings and Events
Addressing the Practicalities: Creating Accessible Events
DisAbility Ministries Committee of The United Methodist Church for Mission u
2012 Book of Discipline
Paragraph 716.2 Nondiscrimination Policies
“All agencies and institutions shall, insofar as reasonably possible, schedule and hold all events, including designated places of lodging and meals for the events, in accessible settings that adequately accommodate persons with disabilities.
2012 Book of Discipline, cont.
Paragraph 716.2 Nondiscrimination Policies
“If for any reason whatsoever any event is scheduled or held in a facility that does not so conform, all notices of the meeting will include plainly stated advice to that effect, or alternatively may bear a logo consisting of the international symbol for access placed inside a slashed circle.
2012 Book of Discipline, cont.
Paragraph 716.2 Nondiscrimination Policies
“The term event shall be given a broad interpretation and shall include, by way of example, scheduled conferences, seminars, and other meetings to which persons are invited or called to attend as representatives of the Church or its various institutions and agencies.”
Site Selection: Parking
Consider parking accessibility Adequate number of accessible spaces: 8’ with 5’ (8’ for van) marked unloading aisle Minimal to no slope of parking lot/sidewalk Curb ramps provided Close to accessible entrance
Site Selection: Entrance
Sign from parking to accessible entrance Level or ramped entry point Railing on any slope of 1/20 or more Door Level 60” platform at door 36” wide doorway Level threshold Easy to open – automatic preferred
Site Selection: Plenary Space
Worship/ Plenary space 36” door and aisle width Level or ramped entrance Ramp to chancel or stage Pew cuts in multiple places if fixed seating Amplification system Assisted listening devices available
Site selection: Restrooms
Accessible restrooms available including at least one unisex/ family/ restroom (so caregiver of opposite sex can assist): 36” door width 60” turning radius Toilet 17 ½ to 19 ½” Grab bars by toilet Accessible (open) sink Towels/ soap at 48”, mirror lower edge at 40”
Site Selection: Lodging
Ground floor accessible rooms Bed 20 – 24” maximum height Space to maneuver – at least 36” between furniture Lower closet rod and peep hole Sink has lever handle, open front, padded pipes High (17 – 19”) toilet with grab bars next to it Roll in/step in shower with bench and grab bars Hand-held shower
Publicity/ Brochure
Use font like Arial 12 point and good color contrast between paper and ink List planned accommodations Ask for specific accommodations needed Provide contact information for accessibility coordinator Mention any site limitations Ensure that website meets web accessibility standards
Potential Accommodation Requests
In order to participate I need: Transportation, accessible parking Large print, digital, or Braille handouts Sign language (ASL) interpretation or captioning Assisted listening devices Assistance at mealtime Special diet Meals for an assistant who will travel with me
Planning
Appoint an “accessibility coordinator” to oversee planning and set up accommodations Send or post map with location of accessible parking and building entrances Provide advance notice re: Limiting use of fragrances How to obtain wheelchair or scooter Orient presenters to accessibility measures Arrange for golf cart or van shuttle and drivers
Using Community Resources
Contact local interpreter registry or national registry ( https://www.rid.org/acct app/index.cfm?action=search.members
) for ASL interpreters Find a CART provider to provide live captioning at https://ncra.org/Membership/content. cfm?ItemNumber=9131&navItem Number=11459
Using Community Resources, cont.
Inquire at regional agency for visually impaired for Braille transcribers, or check at https://nfb.org/braille-transcription-resource-list Arrange with durable medical equipment vendors for scooter and wheelchair rentals Check with para-transport and airport shuttle companies to arrange vans with wheelchair lifts If you have difficulty locating services, check with local Independent Living Agency or campus disability services
Chemical Sensitivity/ Allergies
Avoid incense, floral arrangements, petroleum based/ scented candles etc. or warn participants about the use of such Provide fragrance free zone if needed Avoid rooms with new carpet, paint, furniture Provide adequate ventilation in meeting rooms Avoid chemical applications, e.g. floor wax, pesticides, insecticides, close to time of meeting
Planning Worship: Liturgy
Use inclusive phrases in worship such as “Rise in body or spirit” instead of “stand as you are able” “Let us be in prayer” instead of “bow your heads for prayer” Use person-first language in liturgies - see http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/images/PD F/pfl-sh09.pdf
- and avoid negative clichés like “wheelchair bound” or “suffers from____”
Planning Worship: Communion
Provide gluten free bread for communion – if possible use this for all participants (see http://fructosefreeme.com/2012/11/10/gluten -free-rustic-artisan-bread/ for a great recipe) If bread is dipped into grape juice, have a separate chalice for dipping the gluten free bread Anticipate serving people who cannot come forward – have someone watching
Meeting Room Set-up
Reserve front seating for persons with hearing loss and low vision, but make sure you are not isolating people Plan for companion seating next to cutouts for wheelchair users
Meeting Room Set-up
If tables are used ensure wheelchair clearance: underside 27” minimum, top side 28 – 34” maximum height Reserve wheelchair seating Provide 36” access aisles Avoid floor-length table skirts
Registration & Orientation
Post signs from parking to registration location Station greeter at door to assist, direct people Orient attendees to facilities, accessibility features, and how to locate assistance, shuttle, etc. at all hours Have chair and low table at registration Have clipboard for lap, one-handed use Have paper and pen for written communication Be alert for additional needs
Low Vision Accommodations
Provide good task lighting Avoid glare, light behind speaker Avoid tripping hazards, e.g. cords Use good contrast on all media Provide large print versions of handouts, bulletins, song sheets, etc. Provide digital, taped, or Braille handouts on request ahead of time!
Low Vision Accommodations
Orient to room layout, offer guide Rehearse flow of service or event Read aloud anything written on flip charts or white board Read and describe all material shown on slides Give verbal description of visual aids & actions Give verbal directions- don’t point Offer volunteer “reader” for individual work
Adaptations for Hearing Loss
Provide assisted listening devices with fresh batteries- test before issuing Require all speakers to use microphones in large groups Use cordless microphone for questions and discussion, or have speaker repeat questions
Adaptations for Hearing Loss
Offer printed copy of program notes Have speaker stay at front of room, with face clearly visible, well lit, for people who lip-read Caption videos, slides, films, etc.
Provide live captioning if requested Offer note-taking assistance Prepare printed agenda for meetings
Adaptations for Deaf Persons
Schedule ASL interpreters, if requested, for plenary, meeting, and social times Have lighting on speaker and interpreter- avoid back lighting Speak at a moderate pace Provide interpreters with an outline in advance; spell unfamiliar or technical terms Interpret DVD’s, songs, films, drama, etc.
Other Accommodations
Accessible water fountain or paper cup dispenser Water bowls for service animals Seating on long hallways and at loading/waiting areas Low (48”) coat rack or hooks Chairs of different sizes and heights with and without armrests
Meals and Refreshments
Provide flexible straws, sturdy cups for beverages Provide assist with buffet line as needed Offer a variety of foods of equivalent interest for all meals, breaks, and socials, including: Low sugar/ carb Low salt Low fat Gluten-free
Meals and Refreshments
Label foods as needed for allergies; common allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, soy, dairy, shellfish, eggs, wheat, and fish Label foods for other dietary needs as well, including vegetarian, vegan Provide the recipe as a positive approach
Program Evaluation
Keep notes on the accommodations made and successes or difficulties Take notes of issues during session Try to correct problems as you go, and make plans to avoid the issues next time As part of session evaluation, ask for feedback as to how well people were able to participate
Credits: Photos taken at
Assembly 2014, Louisville, KY Crown Hill United Methodist Church, Seattle, PNW Lakewood United Methodist Church, Tacoma, PNW Manito United Methodist Church, Spokane, PNW Moran United Methodist Church, Spokane, PNW United Methodist Congress of the Deaf (UMCD) 2001 Conference, Los Altos, CalNev University United Methodist Church, Irvine, CalPac Vashon United Methodist Church, PNW
Credits
Accessibility Audit for Churches, 2 nd (1994: GBGM) Edition, Kathy Reeves, ed. Signs of Solidarity (GBGM, out of print) Breaking the Sound Barrier in Your Church: http://www.umcdhm.org/3000.html#02 Cover graphics from The Church and People with Disabilities, Peggy A. Johnson (2014: United Methodist Women) Graphic Artists Guild (access symbols) https://graphicartistsguild.org/tools_resources/downloadable disability-access-symbols New accessibility icon from The Accessible Icon Project: http://www.accessibleicon.org/
Resources
“Equal Access Guide for Meetings, Conferences, Large Assemblies, and Worship” (includes overnight events): http://www.ncccusa.org/elmc/disabilitiesmanual.html
Accessibility Audits: http://www.umdisabilityministries.org/access/audit.html
Presentation Accessibility: http://www.aucd.org/conference/index.cfm/presentation -details--accessibility2011
For More Information
This presentation compiled for Mission u and United Methodist Women by Lynn Swedberg, MS, OTR/L, Disability Consultant, on behalf of the DisAbility Ministries Committee of The United Methodist Church For more information consult: www.UMDisability.org