Making your activism accessible: Difference between revisions

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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) <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>
<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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| 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>
| 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> https://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>
*
*All paths that the person must take must be obstacle-free and must have a clear width of at least <span>920 mm</span><span>.</span>
<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>
*<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>
*    <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>
*<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>
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:<br>
<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> https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event</ref> :&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>
*<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.
*Fluorescent lighting can make spaces inaccessible some. Ask for consent for flash photography.
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<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="">[https://collectifau.ca/ Universal Accessibility Collective ] suggests...</span></p>
| style="width: 1025px;" |      <p><span>[https://collectifau.ca/ Universal Accessibility Collective ] suggests...</span></p>
    <li><span style="">Provide </span><span>babysitting services if possible</span><span style="">.</span><br></li>
<li>Provide babysitting services if possible.</li><li>In buses, provide space for children's pushchairs.</li>
    <li>In buses, provide space for children's <span>pushchairs</span><span>.</span></li>
<li><span>Plan meals that respect the dietary restrictions of the participants.</span></li>
*<span style="">Plan meals that respect the dietary restrictions of the participants.</span><br>
*If food is on sale, provide free or low-cost options.
*<span style="">If food is on sale, provide free or low-cost options.</span><br>
*Ensure you have accessibility helpers for those in need as requests arise.
*<span style="">Ensure you have accessibility helpers for those in need as requests arise.</span>
[https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event Sins Invalid ] offers further suggestions which include...
<span style="">[https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event Sins Invalid ] offers further suggestions which include...</span>
 


<span style=""></span>
*Being transparent about the schedule for the event.
*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>
*Are speakers using plain language that most people will know?
*<p>If food is part of the gathering, share ingredient lists.</p>
*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.<br>
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<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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<p>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;"></span>'''</p>
<p>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;"></span>'''</p>
<p>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;"></span>'''</p>
<p>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;"></span>'''</p>
<span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >Creating a Safe Space</span>'''</span>
 
<span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;">Creating a Safe Space</span>'''</span>
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<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="">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> https://www.mutual-aid.co.uk/</ref> :</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="">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="">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="">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>
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<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="">To ensure people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of misogyny, sexism and transphobia <ref>https://www.mutual-aid.co.uk/</ref> :</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 </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="">Ask people who participate to write or say </span><span style="">pronoun </span><span style="">(s).</span>
*<span style="">Ask people who participate to write or say </span><span style="">pronoun </span><span style="">(s).</span>
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<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>
<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>https://www.mutual-aid.co.uk/</ref> :</span></p>


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<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="">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>
<p>''<span style=""></span>''</p>
''<span style=""></span>''
''<span style=""></span>''
== Accessibility in Communications ==
== Accessibility in Communications ==
<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="">There are many things to consider when it comes to accessible communication, from formatting to the language used. </span><span style="">Accessible communication is ''extremely'' important. According to [https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2014001/article/14094-eng.htm statistics from 2012], nearly half, about 49%, of people in what's colonially called Canada do not have sufficient literacy skills, and 55% do not have sufficient numeracy proficiency. Thus, it is important to ensure our written material is easy to read, easy to understand, easy to find the information you need and the information is easy to use the first time you read it.</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><span></span></p>
<p>https://www.plainlanguage.gov/about/definitions/#:~:text=The%20Plain%20Writing%20Act%20of,not%20be%20plain%20to%20others.</p>
<p><span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >General Guidelines for Accessible Written materials outlined by plainlanguage.gov </span>'''&nbsp; <ref> https://www.plainlanguage.gov/guidelines/</ref> </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="">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=""><span>1. '''W'''</span>'''rite for your audience'''. Use language your audience understands. If you are targeting the general public, a rule of thumb is to aim for an 8th grade reading level or lower. Check out [https://hemingwayapp.com/ the following resource] which can be used to reduce the reading level of your writing.</span>
*<span style="">Include visual illustrations and descriptions of them.</span>
 
|}
      <span style="">2. Put the most important information at the beginning, bolded, and include background information (when necessary) toward the end.</span>
 
      <span style="">3. Limit paragraphs/written sections to''' 3-8 lines''', 5 being a happy medium.</span>
 
      <span style="">4. Use''' as few words as possible''' to get your point across! (e.g. a number of vs 'some', in order to vs 'to'.). Remove 'filler' words such as descriptive words that do not add to your main idea.</span>
 
      <span style="">5. Format information in '''lists, tables etc.''' to break up written text and add variety that is more visually appealing. Add headings if they'll help break information up.</span>
 
      <span style="">6. Add '''blank space'''! This draws the eyes better to key written ideas. Especially around important ideas and to separate sections.</span>
 
      <span style="">7. '''Avoid jargon''', abbreviations and technical terms. Keep your language as simple as possible (e.g. disseminate vs 'send', in accordance with vs 'by'). See more examples of [https://www.plainlanguage.gov/guidelines/words/use-simple-words-phrases/ simplifying your language here.]</span>
 
      <span style="">8. '''Bold important ideas'''!</span>


<p><br><span>Text form</span><br></p>
      <span style="">9. </span>Illustrate text with''' images''' when possible.


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10. Ensure your language is '''gender-neutral.'''
|-
::
|      <span></span>
*<span style="">Avoid fonts with serifs or italics</span><br>
*<span style="">Choose contrasting colors</span><br>
::<span style="">Check the contrast of the chosen colors with&nbsp;</span>[https://app.contrast-finder.org/ Contrast Finder]<br>
<span style="">At face-to-face events, have hard copies to hand out to people who don't have access to a computer</span><br>
:<span style="">Cut content</span><br>
:<span style="">Use short sentences</span><br>
:<span style="">Use short paragraphs</span><br>
:<span style="">Use lists instead of paragraphs</span><br>
:<span style="">Use narrower columns</span><br>
:<span style="">Use sufficient text size</span><br>
:<span style="">Use line spacing enlarged to 1.5</span><br>
:<span style="">Illustrate text with images or videos</span>
<p><br></p>
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<span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" ></span>'''</span>


<p><br><span style="">Contents</span></p>
<span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >Writing Image Descriptions <ref> https://antimonarchy.tumblr.com/post/635980711208386560/how-to-create-image-descriptions</ref> </span>'''</span>
 
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| <p>Most important elements to describe</p>
*<span style="">Use simple language</span><br>
*The people and animals in an image
*<span style="">Promote gender-neutral writing and speech</span><br>
*The background or setting of an image
*<span style="">If </span><span style=""><span style="">topics</span></span><span style=""> concerning BIPOC people are on the agenda, it is important that these be brought forward specifically by people from these groups.</span><br>
*Elements that relate to the context specifically, so if it was an image of a congested highway on a news website, the description would mention the packed cars
*<span style="">Make a </span><span style=""><span style="">content warning</span></span><span style=""> before mentioning potentially emotional content</span><span style=""></span>
*The colors of an image (don’t overdo it however, a simple ‘light blue’ will do)
::''<span style="">Example: the student community (to be recommended)</span>''<br>
*Context for an image.
::'''<span style="">See the&nbsp;</span>'''[https://fr.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/%C3%89criture_inclusive HUB's Inclusive Writing Guide]<br>
<p>Basic process for writing a description</p>
<span style="">Periods and midpoints should be avoided as they can interfere with the task of screen readers.&nbsp;</span><span style="">The feminization of speech does not include non-binary people&nbsp;</span>[https://fr.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/Comment_rendre_le_milieu_militant_plus_accessible%3F#cite_note-8 [8]]<sup id="cite_ref-8" class="reference"></sup><span style="">&nbsp;.</span><br>
*I first say what the content is, such as a photo, educational graphic etc. I then use what is called Object-Action-Context for the most part, For example, [Image ID: A photo of a person standing in a crowd waving to someone out of view /.End ID] While obviously I would usually provide more information than that, Person = object, standing + waving to someone out of view = action, and ‘in a crowd’ = context.&nbsp;
<p><br><span style="">Tips for maximizing accessibility according to the specific type of online document (Word texts, Word forms, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, PDF documents) available&nbsp;</span></p>
*I describe the clothing that might be worn and the position that people in an image might be in, such as leaning against one another on a couch, or standing with their fingers intertwined
[https://labo.raamm.org/formation/les-documents-electroniques/ here]<p><br><span style="">It is possible to test accessibility for people with visual impairments with screen readers such as NVDA, JAWS, Window-Eye and Voice Over.</span></p>
*If the background is a simple colour, I usually include it in the first sentence of the description. However if it is more complicated, such as a river winding through a dense forest, I include that at the end of the description after describing the important elements.
::
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<p><br><span>Specific to websites<br></span></p>
<p><br><span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >Meeting Disability and Accessibility Guidelines </span>''' <ref>https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/advice/employers/creating-a-dyslexia-friendly-workplace/dyslexia-friendly-style-guide</ref> <ref>https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/</ref></span><br></p>


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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="">Ensure that the options displayed with the mouse can also be displayed (elsewhere if necessary) using only a keyboard.</span><br>
*'''Use sans serif fonts''', such as Arial and Comic Sans, as letters can appear less crowded. Alternatives include Verdana, Tahoma, Century Gothic, Trebuchet, Calibri, Open Sans.<br>
*<span style="">Make text highlighting possible</span>
*<span style="">Font size should be at least '''12-14 point'''.</span>
*<span style="">'''Line spacing of 1.5''' is preferable.</span>
*<span style="">Suggest bolding over underlining or italics.</span><br>
*<span style="">Choose '''contrasting colours.''' You can review your chosen colours to check if they '''meet colour blind requirements '''[https://app.contrast-finder.org/ using this resource.] Try not to use colours that are too bright as these can also be hard on the eyes and make reading difficult.</span><br>
*<span>Use '''single colour backgrounds. '''</span><span style="">Pale or pastel backgrounds rather than stark white can be easier to read.</span>
*<span style="">Use '''left alignment''' for text.</span><br>
*<span style="">Offer '''subtitles and a text transcript''' for video communication.</span>
*When a document is published online, make an '''HTML version''' available (the only universal format currently)
*It is possible to test accessibility for people with visual impairments with '''screen readers '''such as NVDA, JAWS, Window-Eye and Voice over.
*
<p><span>Tips for maximizing accessibility according to the '''specific type of online document '''are available [https://labo.raamm.org/formation/les-documents-electroniques/ using this resource.]</span></p>
*<span>Use the [https://wave.webaim.org/ WAVE] tool to''' test the accessibility of a website.'''&nbsp;</span><span>Ensure that the options displayed with the mouse can also be displayed (elsewhere if necessary) using only a keyboard.</span>
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<p><br><span style="">Specific to videos</span><br></p>
:
 
::
::<br>
<br>
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*<span style="">Offer subtitling</span><br>
 
*<span style="">Offer a text transcript</span>
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<p><br><br>''<span style="">Resources</span>''</p>
[https://labo.raamm.org/formation/clienteles-cibles/ Web Accessibility Promotion Lab]


[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)]
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Revision as of 16:01, 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.

  • See Sins 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. According to statistics from 2012, nearly half, about 49%, of people in what's colonially called Canada do not have sufficient literacy skills, and 55% do not have sufficient numeracy proficiency. Thus, it is important to ensure our written material is easy to read, easy to understand, easy to find the information you need and the information is easy to use the first time you read it.

    General Guidelines for Accessible Written materials outlined by plainlanguage.gov   [7]

         1. Write for your audience. Use language your audience understands. If you are targeting the general public, a rule of thumb is to aim for an 8th grade reading level or lower. Check out the following resource which can be used to reduce the reading level of your writing.
    
         2. Put the most important information at the beginning, bolded, and include background information (when necessary) toward the end.
    
         3. Limit paragraphs/written sections to 3-8 lines, 5 being a happy medium.
    
         4. Use as few words as possible to get your point across! (e.g. a number of vs 'some', in order to vs 'to'.). Remove 'filler' words such as descriptive words that do not add to your main idea.
    
         5. Format information in lists, tables etc. to break up written text and add variety that is more visually appealing. Add headings if they'll help break information up.
    
         6. Add blank space! This draws the eyes better to key written ideas. Especially around important ideas and to separate sections.
    
         7. Avoid jargon, abbreviations and technical terms. Keep your language as simple as possible (e.g. disseminate vs 'send', in accordance with vs 'by'). See more examples of simplifying your language here.
    
         8. Bold important ideas!
    
         9. Illustrate text with images when possible.
    

    10. Ensure your language is gender-neutral.

    Writing Image Descriptions [8]

    Most important elements to describe

    • The people and animals in an image
    • The background or setting of an image
    • Elements that relate to the context specifically, so if it was an image of a congested highway on a news website, the description would mention the packed cars
    • The colors of an image (don’t overdo it however, a simple ‘light blue’ will do)
    • Context for an image.

    Basic process for writing a description

    • I first say what the content is, such as a photo, educational graphic etc. I then use what is called Object-Action-Context for the most part, For example, [Image ID: A photo of a person standing in a crowd waving to someone out of view /.End ID] While obviously I would usually provide more information than that, Person = object, standing + waving to someone out of view = action, and ‘in a crowd’ = context. 
    • I describe the clothing that might be worn and the position that people in an image might be in, such as leaning against one another on a couch, or standing with their fingers intertwined
    • If the background is a simple colour, I usually include it in the first sentence of the description. However if it is more complicated, such as a river winding through a dense forest, I include that at the end of the description after describing the important elements.


    Meeting Disability and Accessibility Guidelines [9] [10]

    • Use sans serif fonts, such as Arial and Comic Sans, as letters can appear less crowded. Alternatives include Verdana, Tahoma, Century Gothic, Trebuchet, Calibri, Open Sans.
    • Font size should be at least 12-14 point.
    • Line spacing of 1.5 is preferable.
    • Suggest bolding over underlining or italics.
    • Choose contrasting colours. You can review your chosen colours to check if they meet colour blind requirements using this resource. Try not to use colours that are too bright as these can also be hard on the eyes and make reading difficult.
    • Use single colour backgrounds. Pale or pastel backgrounds rather than stark white can be easier to read.
    • Use left alignment for text.
    • Offer subtitles and a text transcript for video communication.
    • When a document is published online, make an HTML version available (the only universal format currently)
    • It is possible to test accessibility for people with visual impairments with screen readers such as NVDA, JAWS, Window-Eye and Voice over.

    Tips for maximizing accessibility according to the specific type of online document are available using this resource.

    • Use the WAVE tool to test the accessibility of a website. Ensure that the options displayed with the mouse can also be displayed (elsewhere if necessary) using only a keyboard.