Accessible Event Management

Overview

Digital barriers at business events to be dismantled through new web accessibility offering.

Digital experts me2 Accessibility and Sydney-based event planner Best Case Scenario have partnered to tackle the issue of web accessibility gaps in event registration and other digital platforms.

While physical access to events is often well planned when it comes to addressing the needs of those with disabilities, the digital environment lags behind, say the companies.

Inclusion is necessary, said me2 Director Kevin Galvin:

"Disability inclusion at business events shouldn't be something that event planners have to do, it should be something they want to do, and consider implementing at each of their events."

According to Best Case Scenario Direct Luli Adeyemo, many Australian event planners are unaware that it is a requirement under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 that websites are accessible. However, she stated that too often, this is not the case:

"As someone who suffers from a visual impairment, I get frustrated when an event website is not accessibility compliant. Only recently I attended a large sporting event and found it impossible to read their mobile app due to the unfriendly colour contrast. Websites should be accessible to everybody and this is the reason why I set up this new service,"

Latest figures from the Australian Human Rights Commission show that disability discrimination accounts for their highest volume of complaints (37%) across the board, a number they say is rising steadily.

A unique end-to-end event accessibility package

A first in Australia, the joint venture includes the following steps and services:

• Build an accessibility friendly event website and registration platform
• Audit and test digital platforms pre-event and on-site to Australian accessibility standards
• Handle telephone calls from disability care givers or individuals having issues with registration
• Manage accessibility on-site logistics and pre-event planning
• Ensure on-site signage meets with accessibility guidelines

Free web accessibility health check on offer

As part of the launch, a WAI standard free web accessibility health check (usually worth $500) is currently available. It follows the guidelines of a W3 preliminary accessibility evaluation, and is completed by simply emailing a few web addresses for an obligation-free report.

More details are available on the partnership websites.

Our Event Partners

About Best Case Scenario

Best Case Scenario have been delivering end to end event services to Australian government and organisations for over 10 years. Their clients include NSW Government, Australian Digital Health Agency, Intel, Microsoft, Proofpoint and more.