Making your activism accessible: Difference between revisions

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:<p><span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;">''''''</span></p>
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<p><span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;">'''"Universal accessibility''' is the character of a product, process, service, information or environment which, with a view to fairness and an inclusive approach, allows anyone to carry out activities independently and to obtain equivalent results." - Groupe DÉFI Accessibilité (GDA) & [https://exaequo.net/ Ex Aequo]"</span></p>
<p><span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >'''"Universal accessibility''' is the character of a product, process, service, information or environment which, with a view to fairness and an inclusive approach, allows anyone to carry out activities independently and to obtain equivalent results." - Groupe DÉFI Accessibilité (GDA) <ref> Groupe DEFI Accessibilite (GDA) - Research report for associations in Montreal - Universal Accessibility and contributing designs (version 5.3), Langevin, Rocque, Chalghoumi & Ghorayeb, University of Montreal</ref>  & [https://exaequo.net/ Ex Aequo]"&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span style="background-color: rgb(209, 241, 238);">'''Choice of Location'''</span></p>
<p><span style="background-color: rgb(209, 241, 238);">'''Choice of Location'''</span></p>


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|     <p><span style="">In a universally accessible place, </span><span>'''a person in a '''</span><span>'''wheelchair '''</span><span>'''can move around in all the rooms and access a toilet'''</span><span style="">.</span><span></span><br></p>
| style="height: 393px; width: 770.203px;" |      <p><span style="">[https://collectifau.ca/ Universal Accessibility Collective ] suggests that in a universally accessible place, </span><span>a person in a </span><span>wheelchair </span><span>can move around in all the rooms and access a toilet</span><span style="">. <ref> http://collectifau.ca/</ref> </span><br></p>
*<span style="">Doors must be 800mm minimum</span><br>
*<span style="">Doors must be 800mm minimum</span><br>
*<span style="">The dimensions of a toilet cubicle must be 1500 x 1500mm minimum</span><br>
*<span style="">The dimensions of a toilet cubicle must be 1500 x 1500mm minimum</span><br>
::<span style="">Concerning the detailed criteria for infrastructures to be universally accessible, consult&nbsp;</span>[https://www.keroul.qc.ca/section/7-fiches-techniques-illustrees.html Kéroul's technical sheets]<p><span style="">(parking, signage and displays, accessible entrance, reception desk, hall, outdoor event, etc.)</span><br></p>
*
<p><br><span style="">In a universally accessible place, there is a </span>'''<span style="">place to leave </span><span style="">strollers.</span>'''<span style=""></span></p>
<p><span>All paths that the person must take must be obstacle-free and must have a clear width of at least </span><span>920 mm</span><span>.</span></p>
*<span style="">Check if the place is not under construction or renovation, which could make the space temporarily inaccessible.</span>
*    <p><span>The entrance must be a single level or equipped with an access ramp and must be at </span><span>least 800 mm </span><span>wide.</span></p>
*<span style=""><span style="">See[https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event  Sins Invalid] for more on accessible infrastructure</span></span>
:
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Some of the further suggests [https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event Sins Invalid ] offers based on your choice of location include <ref> http://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event</ref> :&nbsp;</p>
 
*<span><span>Being upfront about barriers. Have an accessibility coordinator assigned at the event and livestream if possible.</span></span>
*Fluorescent lighting can make spaces inaccessible some. Ask for consent for flash photography.
*Is there space and flexibility for those that get overstimulated or tired?
*Bathrooms… Are they accessible and safe for everyone to use?
*Note that winter snow will always make accessibility more difficult for folks with limited mobility.
*Consider where people can access with and leave strollers for small children.
<span style=""></span>
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<p><br></p>
<p>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >Accessing the Location</span>'''</p>
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|    <p><span>The entrance to the place must be a single storey or equipped with an access ramp and must be at&nbsp;</span><span>least 800 mm</span><span>&nbsp;wide .</span></p>
<p><span>All paths that the person must take must be obstacle-free and must have a clear width of at least&nbsp;</span><span>920 mm</span><span>&nbsp;.</span></p>
<p><span>Check if the place is not under construction or renovation, which could make the space temporarily inaccessible.</span></p>
|}


<p><br></p>
<p><span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;">Meeting Attendees Needs</span>'''</span></p>
<p><span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >Meeting Attendees Needs</span>'''</span></p>


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|     <p><span style="">Provide </span><span>'''babysitting service'''</span><span style="">.</span></p>
|     <p><span style="">[https://collectifau.ca/ Universal Accessibility Collective ] suggests...</span></p>
<p><span style="">Offer an </span>'''<span style="">interpreter service</span>'''<span style="">.</span></p>
    <li><span style="">Provide </span><span>babysitting services if possible</span><span style="">.</span><br></li>
<p><span style="">Provide a </span>'''<span style="">space with low sensory stimulation</span>'''<span style="">.</span></p>
    <li>In buses, provide space for children's <span>pushchairs</span><span>.</span></li>
<p><span style="">In buses, provide space for children's </span>'''<span style="">pushchairs</span>'''<span style="">.</span></p>
*<span style="">Plan meals that respect the dietary restrictions of the participants.</span><br>
<p><br>''<span style="">In case of </span>'''<span style="">food </span>'''<span>offered...</span>''</p>
*<span style="">If food is on sale, provide free or low-cost options.</span><br>
*<span style="">Plan meals that do not need to be cut out and that respect the dietary restrictions of the participants.</span><br>
*<span style="">Ensure you have accessibility helpers for those in need as requests arise.</span>
*<span style="">Display its ingredients and specificities in advance.</span><br>
<span style="">[https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event Sins Invalid ] offers further suggestions which include...</span>
*<span style="">If on sale, provide free or low-cost options.</span><br>
 
*<span style="">Provide people ready to help in the service if needed.</span>
<span style=""></span>
*Being transparent about the schedule for the event.
*Are speakers using plain language that most people will know? Are interpreters available for the event for community members who have a language other than English?<br>
*<p>If food is part of the gathering, share ingredient lists.</p>
|}
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<p><br></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >Good Practices</span>'''</span></p>
<p><span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;">Good Practices</span>'''</span></p>


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<span style="">[https://collectifau.ca/ Universal Accessibility Collective ] suggests:</span>
*<span style="">Have support staff available when needed.</span>
*<span style="">Have support staff available when needed.</span>
*<span style="">Choose a place (departure and arrival) that is accessible by public transport including adapted transport that is close to toilets and shelter (from the sun or the rain).&nbsp;</span><span style="">Having people waiting at these places allows people with reduced mobility to be accompanied while waiting for transport, for example.</span>
*<span style="">Choose a place (departure and arrival) that is accessible by public transport including adapted transport that is close to toilets and shelter (from the sun or the rain). </span><span style="">Having people waiting at these places allows people with reduced mobility to be accompanied while waiting for transport.</span><br>
*<span style="">If necessary, hire a beneficiary attendant two weeks in advance to provide services to people who need their assistance.</span>
*<span style="">If the event cannot be universally accessible, offer </span>'''<span style="">other ways to participate, </span>'''<span style="">such as actions that can be done remotely. </span><span style="">Planning an activity with several components promotes the involvement of people with reduced mobility.</span>
*<span style="">“If the event cannot be universally accessible, offer activists&nbsp;</span>'''<span style="">other ways to participate,</span>'''<span style="">&nbsp;such as actions that can be done remotely.”&nbsp;</span><span style="">Planning an activity with several components promotes the involvement of people with reduced mobility.</span>
<p><br></p>
<p><br></p>
:''<span style="">Example: I want to organize a demonstration in front of the Sheraton hotel, place of a gathering between members with power concerning the issue for which I am campaigning.&nbsp;</span><span style="">I look at paratransit services (ex:&nbsp;</span>[https://www.stm.info/fr/transport-adapte/utiliser-le-transport-adapte/reserver-modifier-et-annuler/lieux-publics SIRTA]<span style="">&nbsp;(STM),&nbsp;</span>[https://exo.quebec/fr/planifier-trajet/transport-adapte EXO]<span style="">&nbsp;(South Shore or North Shore of Montreal). I walk between the transport stop and the hotel (or the route to the event, if my action intends to be mobile) If there are hills, it will be necessary to provide people to help people in manual wheelchairs.</span>''
:''<span style="">Preparation Example: I want to organize a demonstration in front of the Sheraton hotel. </span><span style="">I look at paratransit services. </span><span style="">I walk between the transport stop and the hotel (or the route to the event, if my action intends to be mobile). If there are hills, it will be necessary to provide people to help people in manual wheelchairs.</span>''
:''<span style=""></span>''
:''<span style=""></span>''
|}
|}


<p><br></p>
<p>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;"></span>'''</p>
<p>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >Other Considerations</span>'''
<p>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;"></span>'''</p>
<span style=""></span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" ></span>'''</p>
<span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >Creating a Safe Space</span>'''</span>
<p>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" ></span>'''</p>
<p>
<span>From [https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event Sins Invalid]:</span></p>
 
*Fluorescent lighting can make spaces inaccessible some. Ask for consent for flash photography.
*Be transparent about the schedule for the event.
*Are speakers using plain language that most people will know? Are interpreters available for the event for community members who have a language other than English\
*Is there space and flexibility for those that get overstimulated or tired?
*How are people transporting themselves to the event/action?
*<p>Use different forms of outreach with accessible messaging and written materials</p>
*<p>Bathrooms… Are they accessible and safe?</p>
*<p>If food is part of the gathering, have options and share ingredient lists.</p>
*<p>Mobility-related access: Be upfront about barriers. Have an accessibility coordinator assigned at the event and livestream if possible.</p>
**Note that winter snow will always make accessibility more difficult for folks with limited mobility.
<p>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" ></span>'''</p>
<p>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" ></span>'''</p>
 
<span style="">References:</span>
 
<span style=""></span>[https://drive.google.com/file/d/11rl6fSyV9EVy5CtAdqSL7rRUcxwn26Cf/view Slides from the workshop given by Ex Aequo]
 
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bt6SVDG3DhqfCs0TDihFYdWK5Fc3TmsAVG4dqIZTueA/edit UK Mutual Aid Accessibility Checklist]
 
[https://www.altergo.ca/fr/accessibilite-universelle/outils-et-guides/ Tools and guides - Altergo]
 
[https://www.keroul.qc.ca/ Keroul]
 
<span style=""></span>
 
<span style="">Creating a safe space</span><p><span style="">According to [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bt6SVDG3DhqfCs0TDihFYdWK5Fc3TmsAVG4dqIZTueA/edit UK Mutual Aid], there are things groups can do to ensure that people can feel most comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of racism...</span></p>
 
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*<span style="">Publicize the organization's anti-&nbsp;</span><span style="">racism position</span><span style="">&nbsp;and how to deal with a situation of racism.</span>
<span style="">According to [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bt6SVDG3DhqfCs0TDihFYdWK5Fc3TmsAVG4dqIZTueA/edit UK Mutual Aid], there are things groups can do to ensure that people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of racism <ref> http://www.mutual-aid.co.uk/</ref> :</span>
*<span style="">Have&nbsp;</span><span style="">PANDC</span><span style="">&nbsp;(Indigenous, Black and People of Colour) - or&nbsp;</span>''<span style="">BIPOC</span>''<span style="">&nbsp;(&nbsp;</span>''<span style="">Black, Indigenous and people of colour</span>''<span style="">&nbsp;) - staff available in case of a person's concern, insecurity or distress.</span>
*<span style="">Publicize the organization's anti-</span><span style="">racism position </span><span style="">and how the organization will deal with a situation of racism.</span>
*<span style="">Do not publicize the event with&nbsp;</span><span style="">images</span><span style="">&nbsp;of BIPOC people unless they occupy an important place within the event itself (in terms of resources allocated, people invited, partner groups, staff, ... ).</span>
*<span style="">Have </span><span style="">staff available that are Black, Indigenous and Persons of colour in case of a person's concerns, insecurity or distress.</span>
*<span style="">Create single-sex spaces as needed.</span>
*<span style="">Do not publicize the event with </span><span style="">images </span><span style="">of BIPOC people unless they occupy an important place within the event itself (in terms of resources allocated, people invited, partner groups, staff...).</span><br>
|}
|}
<p><span style="">In order for people living with misogyny, sexism and transphobia to feel most comfortable coming to an event and voicing their concerns within the framework of it...</span></p>
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*<span style="">Have&nbsp;</span><span style="">staff</span><span style="">&nbsp;from this group available in case of a person's concern, insecurity or distress.</span>
<span style="">To ensure people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of misogyny, sexism and transphobia<ref>http://www.mutual-aid.co.uk/</ref>:</span>
*<span style="">Ask people who participate to write their&nbsp;</span><span style="">pronoun</span><span style="">&nbsp;(s) next to their name.</span>
*<span style="">Have </span><span style="">staff with different gender identities a</span><span style="">vailable in case of a person's concerns, insecurity or distress.</span>
*<span style="">Have&nbsp;</span><span style="">toilets</span><span style="">&nbsp;identified by the infrastructure they contain rather than illustrations or gendered vocabulary.</span>
*<span style="">Ask people who participate to write or say </span><span style="">pronoun </span><span style="">(s).</span>
*<span style="">Create single-sex&nbsp;</span><span style="">spaces</span><span style="">&nbsp;as needed.</span>
*<span style="">Have </span><span style="">toilets </span><span style="">identified by the infrastructure they contain rather than illustrations or gendered vocabulary.</span><br>
|}
|}


<p>''<span style="">Resources</span>''</p>
<p><span style="">To ensure people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of poverty or being low-income <ref> UK Mutual Aid</ref> :</span></p>
[https://www.actioncanadashr.org/resources/sexual-health-info/hub/ta-sante-sexuelle Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights]
 
<p><span style="">In order for people living in poverty to feel most comfortable coming to an event and voicing their concerns within the framework of it... <ref> UK Mutual Aid</ref> </span></p>


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*<span style="">Have support&nbsp;</span><span style="">staff</span><span style="">&nbsp;available when needed.</span><br>
*<span style="">Have support </span><span style="">staff </span><span style="">available.</span><br>
*<span style="">Provide free&nbsp;</span><span style="">tickets</span><span style="">&nbsp;or a contribution based on income.</span><br>
*<span style="">Provide free </span><span style="">tickets </span><span style="">or make contributions voluntary based on income.</span><br>
*<span style="">Consider whether&nbsp;</span><span style="">internet</span><span style="">&nbsp;access is necessary for participation.</span><br>
*<span style="">Consider whether </span><span style="">internet </span><span style="">access is necessary for participation.</span><br>
*<span style="">Make the event accessible to people with different academic levels and needs (e.g. dyslexic people) in particular thanks to an </span><span style="">adapted </span><span style="">vocabulary </span><span style="">and accompanying </span><span style="">documents .</span><br>
*<span style="">Make the event accessible to people with different academic levels and learning needs. Provide adapted vocabulary or </span><span style="">accompanying </span><span style="">documents.</span><br>
*<span style="">Check the&nbsp;</span><span style="">needs</span><span style="">&nbsp;of the people invited (speakers, facilitators, presenters, etc.).</span>
*<span style="">Check the </span><span style="">needs </span><span style="">of the people invited (speakers, facilitators, presenters, etc.).</span>
|}
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<p><span style="">Take the necessary precautions according to the space in order to avoid accidents and prevent unfortunate situations in the event of an emergency.</span></p>
<p><span style=""></span></p>
<p><span style="">IMPORTANT: Take the necessary precautions according to the space in order to avoid accidents and prevent unfortunate situations in the event of an emergency.</span></p>
<p>''<span style="">Examples: remember to cover electrical wires, identify or cover slippery surfaces, ensure that outdoor spaces are well lit and that the identified emergency exits are functional.</span>''</p>
<p>''<span style="">Examples: remember to cover electrical wires, identify or cover slippery surfaces, ensure that outdoor spaces are well lit and that the identified emergency exits are functional.</span>''</p>
''<span style=""></span>''
''<span style=""></span>''
== Accessibility in Communications ==
== Accessibility in Communications ==
<p><span style="">This point comes in response to a question posed by a participant in the webinar on structures given by the HUB regarding&nbsp;</span>'''<span style="">accessibility in the media communications of activist groups. </span>'''<span style="">Targets knowledge (knowing something), understanding and accessibility of information.</span></p>
<p><span style="">There are many things to consider when it comes to accessible communication, from formatting to the language used.</span></p>
 
<p><span style="">Accessible communication is&nbsp;''extremely'' important. Nearly half, about 48%, of people in what's colonially called Canada do not have sufficient literacy skills.</span></p>
<p>Add from here:</p>
<p>https://www.plainlanguage.gov/about/definitions/#:~:text=The%20Plain%20Writing%20Act%20of,not%20be%20plain%20to%20others.</p>
<p>https://www.plainlanguage.gov/about/definitions/#:~:text=The%20Plain%20Writing%20Act%20of,not%20be%20plain%20to%20others.</p>
<p><br><span>General</span></p>
<p><br><span>General</span></p>
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|     <span style="">Think about the accessibility of communications even before they are published.</span>
|     <span style="">Think about the accessibility of communications even before they are published.</span>
*<span style="">Learn about the&nbsp;</span>[https://labo.raamm.org/formation/clienteles-cibles/ types of disabilities]<span style="">&nbsp;that may affect the accessibility of communications.</span><br>
*<span style="">Learn about the&nbsp;</span>[https://labo.raamm.org/formation/clienteles-cibles/ types of disabilities]<span style="">&nbsp;that may affect the accessibility of communications.</span><br>
*<span style="">When a document is published online, make an HTML version available (the only universal format currently)</span><br>
*<span style="">When a document is published online, make an HTML version available (the only universal format currently)</span><br>
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*<span style="">Avoid fonts with serifs or italics</span><br>
*<span style="">Avoid fonts with serifs or italics</span><br>
*<span style="">Choose contrasting colors</span><br>
*<span style="">Choose contrasting colors</span><br>
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|     <span style="">To test the accessibility of a website, it is possible to use the&nbsp;</span>[https://wave.webaim.org/ WAVE]<span style="">&nbsp;tool .</span><p><br></p>
|     <span style="">To test the accessibility of a website, it is possible to use the&nbsp;</span>[https://wave.webaim.org/ WAVE]<span style="">&nbsp;tool .</span><p><br></p>
*<span style="">Ensure that the options displayed with the mouse can also be displayed (elsewhere if necessary) using only a keyboard.</span><br>
*<span style="">Ensure that the options displayed with the mouse can also be displayed (elsewhere if necessary) using only a keyboard.</span><br>
*<span style="">Make text highlighting possible</span>
*<span style="">Make text highlighting possible</span>
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[https://drive.google.com/file/d/11rl6fSyV9EVy5CtAdqSL7rRUcxwn26Cf/view Slides from the Ex Aequo workshop]
[https://drive.google.com/file/d/11rl6fSyV9EVy5CtAdqSL7rRUcxwn26Cf/view Slides from the Ex Aequo workshop]


[https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1)]== ==
[https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1)]
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Revision as of 14:33, 24 June 2022

"Universal accessibility is the character of a product, process, service, information or environment which, with a view to fairness and an inclusive approach, allows anyone to carry out activities independently and to obtain equivalent results." - Groupe DÉFI Accessibilité (GDA) [1] & Ex Aequo





Ex Aequo distinguishes accessibility from adaptation:

Adaptation would consist of changes made in order to accommodate people in relation to “an environment, a communication, a program, or an already existing service ”.
We adapt when we build a subway with only stairs, then add elevators several years later.
We make it universally accessible when we provide access ramps to the buses. 

Accessibility in places

Choice of Location

Universal Accessibility Collective suggests that in a universally accessible place, a person in a wheelchair can move around in all the rooms and access a toilet. [2]

  • Doors must be 800mm minimum
  • The dimensions of a toilet cubicle must be 1500 x 1500mm minimum

All paths that the person must take must be obstacle-free and must have a clear width of at least 920 mm.

  • Check if the place is not under construction or renovation, which could make the space temporarily inaccessible.
  • The entrance must be a single level or equipped with an access ramp and must be at least 800 mm wide.

  • SeeSins Invalid for more on accessible infrastructure

 

Some of the further suggests Sins Invalid offers based on your choice of location include [3] : 

  • Being upfront about barriers. Have an accessibility coordinator assigned at the event and livestream if possible.
  • Fluorescent lighting can make spaces inaccessible some. Ask for consent for flash photography.
  • Is there space and flexibility for those that get overstimulated or tired?
  • Bathrooms… Are they accessible and safe for everyone to use?
  • Note that winter snow will always make accessibility more difficult for folks with limited mobility.
  • Consider where people can access with and leave strollers for small children.


Meeting Attendees Needs

Universal Accessibility Collective suggests...

  • Provide babysitting services if possible.
  • In buses, provide space for children's pushchairs.
    • Plan meals that respect the dietary restrictions of the participants.
    • If food is on sale, provide free or low-cost options.
    • Ensure you have accessibility helpers for those in need as requests arise.
    Sins Invalid offers further suggestions which include...
    • Being transparent about the schedule for the event.
    • Are speakers using plain language that most people will know? Are interpreters available for the event for community members who have a language other than English?
    • If food is part of the gathering, share ingredient lists.


    Good Practices

    Universal Accessibility Collective suggests:

    • Have support staff available when needed.
    • Choose a place (departure and arrival) that is accessible by public transport including adapted transport that is close to toilets and shelter (from the sun or the rain). Having people waiting at these places allows people with reduced mobility to be accompanied while waiting for transport.
    • If the event cannot be universally accessible, offer other ways to participate, such as actions that can be done remotely. Planning an activity with several components promotes the involvement of people with reduced mobility.


    Preparation Example: I want to organize a demonstration in front of the Sheraton hotel. I look at paratransit services. I walk between the transport stop and the hotel (or the route to the event, if my action intends to be mobile). If there are hills, it will be necessary to provide people to help people in manual wheelchairs.

    Creating a Safe Space

    According to UK Mutual Aid, there are things groups can do to ensure that people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of racism [4] :

    • Publicize the organization's anti-racism position and how the organization will deal with a situation of racism.
    • Have staff available that are Black, Indigenous and Persons of colour in case of a person's concerns, insecurity or distress.
    • Do not publicize the event with images of BIPOC people unless they occupy an important place within the event itself (in terms of resources allocated, people invited, partner groups, staff...).

    To ensure people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of misogyny, sexism and transphobia[5]:

    • Have staff with different gender identities available in case of a person's concerns, insecurity or distress.
    • Ask people who participate to write or say pronoun (s).
    • Have toilets identified by the infrastructure they contain rather than illustrations or gendered vocabulary.

    To ensure people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of poverty or being low-income [6] :

    • Have support staff available.
    • Provide free tickets or make contributions voluntary based on income.
    • Consider whether internet access is necessary for participation.
    • Make the event accessible to people with different academic levels and learning needs. Provide adapted vocabulary or accompanying documents.
    • Check the needs of the people invited (speakers, facilitators, presenters, etc.).

    IMPORTANT: Take the necessary precautions according to the space in order to avoid accidents and prevent unfortunate situations in the event of an emergency.

    Examples: remember to cover electrical wires, identify or cover slippery surfaces, ensure that outdoor spaces are well lit and that the identified emergency exits are functional.

    Accessibility in Communications

    There are many things to consider when it comes to accessible communication, from formatting to the language used.

    Accessible communication is extremely important. Nearly half, about 48%, of people in what's colonially called Canada do not have sufficient literacy skills.

    https://www.plainlanguage.gov/about/definitions/#:~:text=The%20Plain%20Writing%20Act%20of,not%20be%20plain%20to%20others.


    General

    Think about the accessibility of communications even before they are published.
    • Learn about the types of disabilities that may affect the accessibility of communications.
    • When a document is published online, make an HTML version available (the only universal format currently)
    • Include visual illustrations and descriptions of them.


    Text form

    • Avoid fonts with serifs or italics
    • Choose contrasting colors
    Check the contrast of the chosen colors with Contrast Finder

    At face-to-face events, have hard copies to hand out to people who don't have access to a computer

    Cut content
    Use short sentences
    Use short paragraphs
    Use lists instead of paragraphs
    Use narrower columns
    Use sufficient text size
    Use line spacing enlarged to 1.5
    Illustrate text with images or videos



    Contents

    • Use simple language
    • Promote gender-neutral writing and speech
    • If topics concerning BIPOC people are on the agenda, it is important that these be brought forward specifically by people from these groups.
    • Make a content warning before mentioning potentially emotional content
    Example: the student community (to be recommended)
    See the HUB's Inclusive Writing Guide

    Periods and midpoints should be avoided as they can interfere with the task of screen readers. The feminization of speech does not include non-binary people [8] .


    Tips for maximizing accessibility according to the specific type of online document (Word texts, Word forms, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, PDF documents) available 

    here


    It is possible to test accessibility for people with visual impairments with screen readers such as NVDA, JAWS, Window-Eye and Voice Over.


    Specific to websites

    To test the accessibility of a website, it is possible to use the WAVE tool .


    • Ensure that the options displayed with the mouse can also be displayed (elsewhere if necessary) using only a keyboard.
    • Make text highlighting possible


    Specific to videos

    • Offer subtitling
    • Offer a text transcript



    Resources

    Web Accessibility Promotion Lab

    Slides from the Ex Aequo workshop

    Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1)


    1. Groupe DEFI Accessibilite (GDA) - Research report for associations in Montreal - Universal Accessibility and contributing designs (version 5.3), Langevin, Rocque, Chalghoumi & Ghorayeb, University of Montreal
    2. http://collectifau.ca/
    3. http://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event
    4. http://www.mutual-aid.co.uk/
    5. http://www.mutual-aid.co.uk/
    6. UK Mutual Aid