Much of the event organisation is about communication. Whether it is recruiting volunteers to help organise, keeping people informed of progress or inviting people to come along on the day, communication is paramount.
Here are some examples of good practice, which can help ensure a group’s communications are as accessible as possible:
- Produce written materials, such as minutes and agendas, above a minimum font size of 12. Have larger font sizes available if required.
- Design your website with variable font size options and ensure it is suitable for use with mobile screen technology;
- Regularly update your website with group news so individuals accessing information from home can keep up to date. Give plenty of notice for future meeting dates and state access limitations as a matter of course, promoting an inclusive outlook;
- Produce promotional material, such as posters and flyers, using clear language and use simple symbols to illustrate key messages, for people with low level literacy;
- Use large font size on promotional materials and colours which distinguish between foreground and background. This will make writing stand out more clearly.
- Usually community groups are not expected to produce written materials in alternative formats, such as Braille. However, contact the local authority Access Officer for details of how to have these produced if specifically requested by a local a resident.
- A local authority may be able to provide contact details of local disability organisations. These could either be included in a group’s regular mail out or used to specifically target organisations for particular projects;
Reproduced with permission of North West Parks Friends Forum
