Conference accessibility isn't just about compliance—it's about all of us working to create inclusive spaces where all attendees can fully participate, learn, and connect together. Whether you're organizing or attending any conference, here's how we can all contribute to making these events truly accessible and enjoyable for everyone there. When you add these considerations and practices into your everyday life, as accessibility service professionals are used to doing, they become habit and educate those around you. Let's accommodate our fellow professionals like we do students. Here's to a productive and fun AHEAD25!
Attendees: Being Inclusive Participants
Respectful Behavior Keep walkways clear of bags and belongings. Speak clearly during Q&A sessions and use provided microphones. Be understanding and considerate with accessibility accommodations—they benefit everyone!
Community Support Offer assistance when appropriate, but always ask before helping. Include accessibility considerations in your own event planning and advocacy. Share feedback with organizers about what worked well and what could improve.
Speakers: Inclusive Presentation Practices
Visual Design Use high-contrast color schemes and avoid relying solely on color to convey information. Include alt text descriptions when sharing slides later. Speak clearly and describe visual elements for those who may not see them clearly.
Content Structure Provide clear agendas and learning objectives upfront. Use consistent formatting and logical flow. Make presentation materials available digitally before or immediately after your talk.
Organizers: Building Accessibility from the Ground Up
Physical Accessibility Start with venue selection that includes wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms. Ensure stage areas are accessible for speakers with mobility needs, and reserve seating areas close to the stage for attendees who may need them.
Communication Access Provide live captioning for all sessions, not just keynotes. Consider sign language interpreters when requested in advance. Use high-contrast slides and ensure all text is large enough to read from the back of the room. Make session recordings available afterward with accurate captions.
Sensory Considerations Create quiet spaces for attendees who may become overstimulated. Provide detailed schedules and maps in advance so people can plan their experience. Consider offering noise-reducing headphones or fidget tools at registration.
Making It Sustainable
Budget Planning Build accessibility costs into initial budgets rather than treating them as add-ons. Many accommodations are more affordable when planned from the start.
Feedback Loops Create multiple ways for attendees to provide accessibility feedback—surveys, direct contact, and ongoing communication channels. Use this input to continuously improve.
Industry Standards Support conferences that prioritize accessibility, and share best practices across the community. When we normalize these standards, they become easier and more cost-effective to implement.
The tech industry has the tools and expertise to lead in accessibility innovation. By making our conferences more inclusive, we're not just following best practices—we're modeling the kind of thoughtful, user-centered design we bring to our products. Every small step toward accessibility creates ripple effects that benefit our entire community.
Think about what accessibility features you've found most valuable at conferences. Let's continue this conversation and keep pushing our industry events to be truly inclusive spaces for everyone. Streamline your students' accessibility experience with Accommodate. Let's talk about it!
