An illustration with of a laptop with the universal accessibility symbol to the right of is waving a flag that reads, "Pride."

Best Practices for Digital and Event Accessibility in Pride Month Celebrations

Posted by: Jeff Mills on June 2, 2023

As Pride Month swings into high gear with an array of festivities and digital initiatives, it’s essential to spotlight a frequently overlooked issue: accessibility for all, including the disability community. Too often, this group faces numerous barriers that limit their full participation in such events.

Pride Month, celebrated every June, is when we embrace and uphold the diverse identities and experiences within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. However, this diversity must extend beyond gender and sexual orientation to include individuals with disabilities. As we strive for inclusivity and equality, it’s crucial to ensure that all Pride Month activities are fully accessible. Here are some best practices for creating inclusive and accessible Pride Month festivities.

Understanding the Diversity of the Disability Community

People with disabilities represent a wide range of experiences and needs, so it’s crucial to recognize this diversity when planning events. Disabilities can be physical, cognitive, visual, auditory, or a combination. Event organizers should keep in mind this vast array of needs when planning accessible events, from providing sign language interpretation for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to ensuring wheelchair accessibility for those with mobility challenges.

Incorporate Digital Accessibility

With the growing prevalence of digital events, particularly in the current climate, digital accessibility becomes more crucial. Platforms for online events should meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Features such as closed captioning for video content, screen reader compatibility, and alternative text for images are all necessary elements of digital accessibility.

Plan Physical Event Accessibility

For in-person events, consider elements such as accessible public transportation, entry points, ramps, bathrooms, seating, and clear signage. Use the principles of universal design to create spaces that are accessible and usable by all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

Involve the Disability Community in Planning

Engaging members of the disability community in event planning will result in a more accessible and inclusive event. In addition, this involvement ensures their needs are taken into account from the start, eliminating the need for retroactive accessibility improvements, which often prove inadequate.

Provide Clear Information About Accessibility

All event promotional material and communication should indicate the accessibility features available. This practice includes digital events. This information allows potential attendees to plan effectively and thoroughly participate without unpleasant surprises.

Training and Education for Staff and Volunteers

Staff and volunteers involved in organizing and running the event should be trained in understanding, respecting, and addressing the needs of people with disabilities. This education promotes a respectful and inclusive atmosphere during the event.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Post-event, it’s essential to gather feedback from participants and attendees about the accessibility and inclusivity of the event. This feedback will help identify any areas for improvement and allow organizers to refine and enhance their accessibility planning for future events.

As we celebrate Pride Month, let’s honour the spirit of inclusivity by ensuring that all our celebrations are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. By adhering to these best practices, we can create a more inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and valued, fostering true unity in diversity.

Back to Top

You may also be interested in:

  • 2024 Digital Accessibility Trends: What’s on the Horizon?

    Posted in Digital Accessibility, Disability Awareness, News, Web Accessibility on February 2, 2024

    Incorporating digital and document accessibility into your organization’s strategic objectives for 2024 is not just a recommendation—it’s an imperative. As we navigate through the digital age, the importance of adhering…

    Read PostGraphic showing diverse people interacting with technology, accessible web design elements, and inclusive communication icons_
  • Whitespace, Images, and Videos: Tools to Help Those with Dyslexia

    Posted in Digital Accessibility, Disability Awareness on May 16, 2023

    For most people, how a website is laid out is purely an aesthetic choice, but for those with dyslexia, it can be the difference between understanding and not. I have…

    Read PostAn illustration of featuring a light-blue background with a white box in the middle that is outlined by a dotted border.
  • The Accessible Canada Act and Digital Accessibility: Everything You Need to Know

    Posted in Digital Accessibility on October 26, 2023

    In an era where digital spaces dominate various aspects of our daily lives, ensuring accessibility for all is not just a legal obligation but also an ethical and moral imperative.…

    Read PostAn illustration of an open laptop with the long piece of paper coming from it with a maple leaf on it. Next to it is the universal symbol for accessibility.