General principles and guidelines for including disabled people in regeneration projects

(Adapted from Rochdale MBC's 'Guidelines to achieving Equality of Participation in Rochdale')

CHECKLIST 2 Access to Participation in events and meetings

This also includes guidance on printed publicity which apply to all information produced by a centre or project.

Use of BSL Interpreters

Meetings

1. In events involving large numbers of people you should provide a Grade 3 interpreter.
2. In one to one contact (i.e. private meetings), it is important to check with participant which grade they require. However, for situations such as interviews for jobs, you should provide a Grade 3 interpreter (unless requested not to do so).
3. Agreed rates for BSL Interpreters can be obtained from CACDP.

Cancellation fees
If an organisation has a need to cancel the services of an interpreter, a cancellation fee will be payable.

Loop Induction System
The Loop Induction System is provided for people with a hearing impairment. It amplifies the sound in the room, carrying noise via magnetic waves through to a set of earphones. People who use hearing aids should be requested to set their hearing aid to 'T'.

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Access to Printed Information

Braille
You will need to check the level of Braille required, e.g. grade I for less experience readers or grade II for the more experienced.

Taped
Taped information must be sent out in advance. Participants will not be able to listen to a tape and participate in a meeting at the same time.

Enlarged Print
This can often be accommodated when word-processing documents by enlarging the font to the required size. All documents should be produced in not less than 14pt. text to minimize the need for separate large print provision.

Computer Disk

CCTV
The CCTV is a piece of equipment, which enlarges printed material for a person with visual impairment.
It works by passing a light over the written material, which relays it to a TV screen. The TV screen can be adjusted to various sizes and backgrounds, according to the individuals needs.

NB. The introduction of "late" papers at the event will negate your attempts to provide access to everyone, and should be avoided.

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Provision of Assistants to Disabled Participants

There is no recognized organisation that provides assistants at meetings. If you wish to provide this facility, you may wish to consider the following :-

Use of Volunteers
Some voluntary agencies may be able to put you in touch with people prepared to act as Assistants/Supporters at the event.
You would be expected to meet their expenses, i.e. travelling, and should ensure that volunteers are thoroughly brief before the event and easily identifiable by participants.

Allocation of Staff
You may wish to consider using volunteer "staff" from your organisation / department to act as Assistants/Supporters.
Again, you need to make sure that they are thoroughly briefed and easily identifiable by participants.

Advertising/Publicity
Indicate in your publicity that participants may bring their own Assistants/Supporters.
If there is a charge, i.e. for refreshments, you may wish to waive this for Assistants/Supporters.
Indicate in your publicity if there are Assistants available at the event.

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Provision of Refreshments

Vegan
Refreshments containing no dairy produce or meat.

Halaal Meat
Meat prepared according to requirements of the Muslim faith.

Diabetic
Usually sugar free, low in fat and high in fibre.

Other
For other, more specific needs, you will need to ascertain individual requirements and negotiate these with the caterers.
If a buffet is provided, then consideration should be given to table arrangements, also crockery, e.g. cup and beakers, straws and a selection of glasswear, stemmed, beakers, tumblers etc. You will need to provide people to assist disabled people getting food etc.

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Checklists

1. General access provisions not related to technology
2. Access to Participation in events and meetings
3. Facility Preparation – Technology Specific Issues
4. Low cost / Time measures
5. Moderate Cost / Time Measures
6. Annual Budget Measures

See also:
Guide to Good Web Site Design

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