Sustainability

Social Sustainability – 5 Tips on Accessibility

10% of Sweden's population has a non-normative disability. If we don't consider accessibility when planning events, we risk overlooking one-tenth of our potential customers. It is profitable to make your event accessible to everyone. Here are five tips on accessibility for those organizing meetings and events.

Recognize that a disability is not always visible. Accessibility is not just for wheelchair users but also includes vision, hearing, allergies, and sensitivities, among others.
Mind your language! A disability exists in the environment, never within individuals. A disability can be an entrance with only stairs or inaccessible information. Instead, use terms like functional variation to describe the physical, psychological, or cognitive diversity among people—this term is neutral and does not judge whether the variation is impaired or complete, healthy or ill. Funktek has a good glossary explaining the meanings of function-related words: funktek.se/ordlista (http://funktek.se/ordlista/)
It can be overwhelming to think about meeting all possible variations, but focus on solutions rather than seeing them as limitations and problems. Usability benefits all your visitors.
Avoid negative surprises for those with a functional variation visiting your event—be transparent and communicate any shortcomings before the event.
Remember: doing something is better than doing nothing!

Some good examples of actors who do many things right:

Scandic – Scandic claims that their accessibility program is world-leading, with mobile lifts, hearing loops at reception, vibrating fire alarm clocks for the hearing impaired, and hotel information in Braille. After appointing an accessibility ambassador in 2003, one of the first actions taken was to have over 100 Scandic employees use wheelchairs at the hotels for two hours each, to improve understanding of functional variations.

Fallängetorp – Fallängetorp is certified according to EQUALITY for accessible tourism in Sweden. At Fallängetorp, everyone can experience a KRAV-certified farm with cows, sheep, horses, dogs, cats, and chickens. The hostel Mellangården is equipped with lifts and height-adjustable benches and cabinets. Additionally, they have an off-road vehicle, Zoom Uphill, so everyone can explore nature.

Invisible Exhibition – Seeing visitors gain a new perspective with an exhibition entirely in the dark and guided by a blind person. You explore the exhibition through hearing, smell, and touch.