Access all areas

• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• What to consider to help you welcome everyone
• Choosing an accessible meeting place
• Finding an accessible meeting place
• Online accessibility​

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is about making sure everyone’s voice is heard. And that everyone has an equal chance to speak, participate and make change.

• Equality is about equal access. People also speak about equity, which is about helping people who face extra barriers to get involved. ​​
• Diversity is about making sure your membership represents society in all its different ways. That means that when people join your group, they can see themselves represented. In a group that's centred around cultural experiences, that could mean making sure you welcome people with a wide range of experiences of your culture.​
• Inclusion is about welcoming everyone and making sure everyone's contribution is valued.​

What to consider to help you welcome everyone

When setting up your group, there's a few things you can to make sure everyone feels welcome, has the same fair treatment and opportunities.​

• Value and respect all different lived experiences and points of views​

• Challenge any excluding attitudes ​

• Be aware of your unconscious bias and challenge it​

• Use inclusive language in your communications​

• Choose accessible online platforms to communicate ​

• Choose accessible venues when meeting in person​

• Advertise your group through channels that can attract a wide, varied audience​​

Choosing an accessible meeting place

When choosing a meeting space, there's a few things you can check to make sure it’s accessible for all. Things to explore include: ​​

• Does it have accessible toilets with wide enough access for a power chair user to get in and out
• Can you control the temperature?
• Are you meeting on the ground floor? If not, is there a lift? ​
• What's the wheelchair access like? Are there ramps or steps? ​Is the lift big enough to take a wheelchair?
• What are the local transport links like? ​
• Is there parking close by and accessible parking spaces? ​
• Does the room have a hearing loop?

How to find accessible meeting places

If you need help looking for accessible meeting places near you, these organisations might be able to help:

• Local Neuro Therapy Network centres 

• Your local library

• Google search ​(this seems obvious, but a good place to start!)

• Motability's list of apps can help you find accessible places near you​

It's also worth asking local leisure centres or supermarkets, as they sometimes have spaces, rooms or cafes communities can use.​

Being accessible online

When setting up your group you may want to think about the accessibility of the platform you are using. Some things to consider are:​​

• Does the platform let you change the size of text​?

• Does the platform offer subtitles or transcripts if you're meeting on a video call?​​

• Not everyone has internet access, but many public libraries offer free use of a computer. Most coffee shops and pubs now also offer free wifi with a purchase.​ Many museums, libraries and public spaces also offer free wifi, no purchase needed.

• AbilityNet also offer free, personalised support to help you use technology at home.

What's next?

We hope these questions have helped you think about making your meetings accessible. Go back to the start page to explore next steps.