Are you organising a Labour Party meeting of any kind? Well, if you are here are a few tips to ensure you make the meeting as inclusive as you can for disabled people. My suggestions are not exhaustive, but are made to give organisers an idea of some ways to meet access needs.
Access goes beyond disabled people's needs. Access can include child and general care needs, times of meetings, etc.
Level access spaces. ‘Changing Places’ standard facilities for disabled people. Loop systems affording people with hearing impairments the opportunity to fully participate. Well lit spaces allowing better access for people with vision impairment. Paperwork in a variety of colours and formats to suit people with neurodiversity differences.
And the list goes on.
Great. So, here we have a space that allows disabled people participation to meetings. Except…it doesn’t.
No, meeting the physicality of access needs is only part of the process. The space available needs now to be mapped out. If the space is designed to house 100 people seated, then this the number allowed into the meeting. This is to a) Comply with Fire Regs, b) Meet Health and Safety Regs, and c) Ensure a free flow of movement for all present.
Seating needs to be placed in such a way as to allow people to move to and fro with the least effort. Aisles must be wide enough for wheelchairs to comfortably navigate. All aisles must be kept clear including aisles adjacent to walls and doorways. Latecomers often enter meetings and congregate around doorways.
Meeting organisers need to appoint stewards to ensure that full access is maintained throughout meetings. The stewards would be responsible for keeping aisles clear, guiding latecomers to vacant seats, assisting disabled people if and where necessary, operating roving mics, etc.
When making vocal contributions people should be aware that even though they have a stentorian voice and don’t think a mic is needed, the mic allows people using hearing aids to pick up sounds. The Chair should include in their ‘housekeeping’ announcements the importance of people waiting for a roving mic.
As a new Disability Officer for Salisbury CLP, this is very helpful. Thankyou.
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