Build Experiences for Everyone
Ensure that your event is accessible for all
No matter the size of the event, you want to make sure it’s as accessible as possible for attendees, presenters, and performers alike. An estimated 1.5 million Canadians identify themselves as having sight loss (CNIB), 4.6 million Canadians between the ages of 20 and 79 have hearing impairments (StatCan), and 2.7 million Canadians have a mobility disability (StatCan). Put simply, there is a good chance that an individual on-stage or in the audience will need some accommodation to fully enjoy the experience of your event, with audiovisual and staging playing a key part in this. At Soundbox, we are happy to work with our clients to craft accessibility solutions to make events inclusive for all.
Hearing Impairments
• Crystal clear, hi-fidelity audio makes speech, music, and other sounds as clear as possible for those with minor hearing difficulties.
• Similarly, limiting echo and other unwanted noise from the venue allows the sounds you want to hear to be interpreted more clearly for those with partial hearing.
• Sufficient lighting and/or video magnification (in-person monitors, feeds to stream, etc.) are critical to those with more severe hearing loss who are able to read lips.
• For even greater accessibility, you can also provide real-time AI-generated or human-transcribed captions to your audience via in-person monitors or closed captions on streaming events.
• Click here for more information on Soundbox's Captioning Services
Visual Impairments
• The first step in providing visual accessibility to those with partial visual difficulties is to provide adequate and clear lighting of performers, presenters, and presentation materials.
• In some instances, you may also need to provide presentation materials to those with visual impairments via a file transfer prior to the event.
• Some events may also need to provide real-time description or commentary to describe visual actions to those with more severe vision loss (ex. providing a listening device with play-by-play commentary for a sporting event).
Mobility Complience
• Making things accessible for those with mobility issues starts with providing clear access to on-stage and off-stage areas via ramps, wheelchair lifts, elevators, etc.
• It is also critical to create a floor plan that accounts for the extra space that mobility-aiding devices (ie. wheelchairs, crutches, canes, etc.) need to function properly
• Cable mats and proper cable management also eliminate tripping or mobility hazards.
Other Considerations
• Make sure to provide power to those with electronic assistance devices.
• If you don't know, ask! Always check in with presenters, performers, and audience members to know exactly what they need to enjoy your experience. They may need something you haven't considered before.
• Audiovisual is only one part of making an event accessible. Be sure to consider how every facet of your event, from invitations to food prep to transportation, could be more inclusive.
• Planning Accessible Events - Guide & Checklist by Accessibility Ontario
