Top 5 Considerations for Designing Accessible Events
05.31.22
By Team IVC
Top 5 Considerations for Designing Accessible Events
Global Accessibility Awareness Day is celebrated every May, recognizing the importance of providing people with disabilities similar experiences and opportunities both professionally and personally to those who don’t. As marketers, we must be especially mindful of disabilities in our event strategies to ensure that we are designing an all-inclusive experience both in-person and virtually.
Earlier this year, InVision hosted a webinar with Amy Wood, Accessibility Manager, Salesforce, who shared valuable insights and tips on designing more accessible, inclusive events. Below are top 5 takeaways for marketers when planning events that address all individuals’ needs.
Why Accessibility Matters
Not only is it the right thing to do (and it’s the law), but accessible experiences boost customer-satisfaction and retention. In fact, according to the US Department of Commerce, companies not offering accessibility services are losing $6.9 billion yearly to competitors who do. It demonstrates that your brand cares and truly values everyone. Accessibility breaks down barriers and allows for a greater variety of consumers and customers to obtain information, while also welcoming them into a conversation or interaction with your brand. The greater the reach, the better it is for your brand and for your intended audience.
It Starts from the Beginning
Designing for all individual needs shouldn’t be a second thought, and certainly not even a third or fourth. It should be a priority standard in every program and budgeted from the start so that there are no last-minute changes or surprises. This also includes creating awareness with your team, seeking advice from experts or hiring someone who has accessibility experience, and/or engaging speakers, agencies, and employees with disabilities. A team who is mindful and informed will ensure all bases are covered and that nothing slips through the cracks.
Understand All Disabilities
About 25% of Americans have a disability, but did you know 20% of those disabilities are considered invisible? If you aren’t sure what it means to have an invisible disability, then this is a critical step you’ll need to take before you start designing an all-inclusive strategy for your event. An invisible disability, or hidden disability, are ones that are not physically obvious, such as color blindness, mental wellness, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Invisible Disabilities Association is a great resource for you and your team to become more knowledgeable and aware of these challenges and conditions.
Design for All People
Once you have gained the knowledge and insight, it’s time to start designing an experience that meets the various needs of individuals. Here are some considerations:
Stay Informed and Educate Others
Laws change time to time, but so do physical, mental and intellectual challenges. Stay current on the standards and laws from the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as the Web Content Accessibilities Guidelines (WCAG) when creating content online. Become the voice for others and educate those who aren’t as proficient; the more we talk about it and bring awareness, the more it becomes second nature and ingrained in our business.
It's never too late to begin prioritizing accessibility measures into your experience design. If you read this, you’re already taking great strides forward. Let’s be the change in the industry and ensure that no matter what disabilities, challenges or conditions our attendees are facing, they are given equal opportunities to engage with and consume your content.
To explore how your organization can incorporate accessibility measures, contact your InVision account director or info@iv.com.