To assist event organisers in crafting gatherings that are both inclusive and accessible, Sydney has launched guidelines that focus on providing equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. These comprehensive guidelines are designed not only to facilitate enjoyment and participation for all attendees but to also foster a sense of belonging and engagement.
City of Sydney has fine-tuned its inclusive and accessible event guidelines, ensuring alignment with the stringent Australian Standards concerning accessibility. This meticulous revision signifies a steadfast commitment to uphold and possibly surpass best practices in orchestrating events that are truly inclusive and accessible, setting a benchmark for others to emulate in fostering a society where everyone is embraced with equal regard and consideration.
These guidelines apply to all City of Sydney produced events and events and festivals produced by grant recipients.
The guidelines cover 5 main areas:
- accessible venues and spaces
- opportunities for inclusive participation
- accessible materials and information
- employee attitudes and awareness
- online events.
New inclusions in the guidelines are:
- best practice case studies
- testimonies from people with lived experience of disability
- considerations for online meetings and events.
Making an event more inclusive and accessible includes providing accessibility information on websites and encouraging inclusive participation with features like captions, audio descriptions or sensory spaces. The guidelines have easy-to-use checklists to help event organisers follow minimum and best practice requirements.
