Skip to main content

Access and Inclusion In All Spaces

Contents of this page

  1. Disabled Rebels Network contact
  2. Three important things!
  3. Regenerative and Inclusive Approach
  4. All written information and signage / visuals
  5. Speaking
  6. Automated Close Captions [CC]
  7. Speech to Text interpreters
  8. Public Transport
  9. Disabled Parking
  10. Physical and Visual Access at the space
  11. Toilets
  12. Power
  13. Event Accommodation
  14. Marches
  15. Disability Access Training
  16. Specific Access Guide for Sessions

1. Disabled Rebels Network contacts

Email: xr.inclusion@protonmail.com
Mattermost: Disabled Rebels Network Reception
or message the External Coordinator, currently Sian @sian-aubrey

2. Remember CAB!

  • Contact: Invite people to make their needs known by providing a contact
  • Access: Include information on access and inclusivity on call-outs / broadcast messages / adverts for events
  • Build in access from the start of planning!

It’s fine to use the Disabled Rebels Network email: xr.inclusion@protonmail.com providing you contact us first!

3. Regenerative and Inclusive Approach

Build these things into events whenever possible:

  • Breaks
  • Quiet time
  • Minimise check-in and hand signal pressure
  • Offer check-ins via chat
  • Vary ways of contributing
  • Quiet spaces, needed by many

4. Written information and signage / visuals

  • When producing a written document with fancy backgrounds and tonnes of images, it's good practice to link a plain text version near the beginning of the document for visually impaired and dyslexic rebels
  • Use a sans serif font - Karla or Arial is recommended
  • No italics or underlining (unless clickable link)
  • Maximise accessibility for dyslexic and colour blind people - a more detailed guide is here
  • Use clear language, reduce use of jargon and initials / acronyms
  • Break sentences down into small, easily digestible sentences.

5. Speaking

  • Face others and do not cover your mouth, where possible
  • Limit the time that people speak for
  • Clear language, reduce use of jargon and initials / acronyms
  • Use amplification equipment effectively to ensure your voice is as clear and loud as possible
  • Speak slowly so that closed captions and BSL interpreters can keep up. Neurodivergent people also sometimes use closed captions for comprehension
  • Check in that people are in a good position to hear and see

6. Automated Closed Captions [CC]

Enabling Closed Captions on Zoom or Big Blue Button
  • Ensure Enhanced Encryption is enabled and NOT End-to-End Encryption otherwise some features won’t be available, including Closed Captions.
  • Ensure you have updated your Zoom account to the latest version. Then enable Automated CC before the event in Zoom Account settings
  • Big Blue Button: closed captions are available via a browser. However, be aware that CCs aren’t available if accessing a BBB meeting on a phone. BBB FAQ
Enabling Closed Captions when Streaming to Facebook or Youtube
  • YouTube CC setting must be activated when streaming
  • Turn on CC for Facebook Live broadcasts and Live Streaming

7. Interpreters

British Sign Language Interpreters:

Speech to Text Interpreters:

8. Public Transport Resources

9. Disabled Parking

  • Recce the nearest spots well in advance
  • Check whether step-free access is available to the event from parking area

10. Physical and Visual Access at the space

  • Ramps and/or wheelchair trackway may be needed
  • Space for a wheelchair or rollator user and space to turn
  • Check lifts are big enough for power chairs and scooters and provide measurements
  • Provide clear routes and exits: important for some anxious and neurodivergent people

11. Toilets

  • Where? How accessible? Free?
  • Provide measurements where possible
  • Where are the closest fully accessible toilets?
  • To find accessible toilet: Changing Places or all public toilets
  • A Radar key also known as an NKS key, is a blue and silver-coloured key that opens more than 10,000 disabled toilets across the UK. RADAR keys are used by some 400 local authorities to allow disabled people access to locked, accessible toilets.

12. Power

  • For charging devices needed by many disabled people.
  • Can this be provided?
  • If yes, by whom?
  • Finding friendly venues

13. Event Accommodation

All the above applies as well as:

  • If camping, can disabled rebels bring vans?
  • Can an accessible tent be provided?
  • Is there alternative accommodation?
  • Is a power source available?

14. Marches

Route:

  • ensure it’s level.
  • Are ramps needed?
  • Is track-way needed?
  • Check and provide info about public transport

Pace: ensure it’s good for the slowest by:

  • inviting slow walkers to be near the front
  • ensure clear communication along the length of the march, e.g. Mic check (pass the info along the march)
  • Offer lifts
  • Consider how to provide breaks that are well managed

March Layout

  • Do not ask all wheelchair users to be in one block
  • Non-disabled people can carry folding chairs for ambulant disabled people who need to sit during breaks.
  • Ensure that XR Rhythms and other active blocs, with equipment, and costumes accommodate disabled people within their blocs
  • ensure well-trained Stewards / Action Wellbeing are along the whole of the march to spot anyone needing support

15. Disability Access Training

If you’d like training, please contact the Disabled Rebels Network using the contact info at the top of this document.
For more information and to learn more, view the Disability Access Training slides

16. Specific Access Guide for Sessions

Back to top