The “Accessible BIG IDeA Checklist” entails a list of suggestions that would make the events running under BIG IDeA project more accessible. It is based on the Accessibility Guidelines for BIG IDeA’s Events, a guide that provides information for event planners to identify and to overcome access challenges in relations to its participants.

Contact Details

– Name of the Event
– Date and Time
– Location
– Number of attendees

Advertising/Registration

– Have you provided ample notice to allow people to arrange accommodations?
– Have you included a disability accommodation statement on all advertising?
– Have you collected info about special needs through registration forms?
– Has your staff identified dietary preferences of the participants?
– Does your advertising include contact information for accessibility requests?
– Has your staff followed up with responses to accommodation requests?
– Does your advertising include international accessibility symbols?
– Is your place scent-free, as a rule?

Planning ahead

– Have you trained volunteers to accommodate accessibility issues?
– Can people with disabilities clearly identify those volunteers?
– Have you reminded your volunteers to ask guests, “How may I help you?”
– Have you booked accessibility supports in advance?
– Have you informed interpreters, captioners and note-takers in advance?
– Will you explain the tasks of interpreters/captioners during worship?
– Have you considered childcare outside of business hours?
– Have you considered food for interpreters, attendants, and child‐minders?
– Have you reminded organizers and staff of your scent‐free practice/policy?

The Venue

– Has your staff suggested realistic transport options?
– Have you provided info about accessible parking?
– Have you offered main wheelchair access and alternatives?
– Have you made outdoor and indoor pathways free of barriers?
– Have you given access to all needed indoor space independently or with assistance?
– Have you made elevators fully-inclusive for diverse end-users (ideally, at least)?
– Have you provided inclusive, clear, high-contrast signage?

Room Set-up

– Have you set up the space to be generous to users of wheelchairs and scooters?
– Have you provided accessible seating areas in front, middle and back, if possible?
– Have you reserved seating for people with disabilities?
– Do/es your room/s include adjustable lighting?
– Do your acoustics provide minimal echo?
– Are washrooms accessible, and at an adequate distance for all users?
– Are electrical cables/cords covered securely for safe crossover?
– Does your community promote a smoke‐free environment?
– Are organizers, presenters and volunteers trained for emergency evacuations?

Suggestions for effective presenters

– Have you reminded presenters to end meetings or presentations on schedule?
– Have you offered participants materials in large-print and digital formats?
– Have you had extra hardcopies printed?
– Are audio/visual controls adjustable?
– Can you offer verbal descriptions of visual contents?
– Are any and all videos captioned?
– Have you provided participants with necessary bio or dietary breaks?

Food and Refreshments

– Would persons using wheelchairs find your food, drinks and utensils easy to reach?
– Are bendable straws and cups with handles available?
– Is food/buffet assistance available?

Service Animals

– Remember to discourage participants from petting service animals!
– Have you offered a relief area for service animals?
– Have you provided service animals with a water-bowl?

Budgeting the event

– Have you considered in advance funds for planning and providing accommodations?

Evaluating the event

– Have you considered and provided evaluation forms in accessible formats?