What are accessible events? They are adapted to the specific needs of participants, taking into account physical, communication and digital accessibility, ensuring the participation of all by adapting the venue, the message and the content presented to the specific difficulties of individual participants. (Source: ‘Access Ticket’, Krakow 2022)
An accessible event not only responds to the needs of persons with disabilities, but also increases its attractiveness among other participants, making it more welcoming to the public.
Since its inception, the JU Accessibility Centre (initially as Disability Support Service) has made the utmost effort to ensure that the conferences, training sessions, meetings and the ‘To Touch Culture’ series that we organise meet the needs of the widest possible group. We do not just focus on the minimum requirements imposed on the JU by the Accessibility Act, according to which anyone can apply to us for ensuring accessibility, but we comprehensively seek solutions to ensure access for all on an equal basis.
The JU Accessibility Centre provides support and consultation to other units (organisers) on topics such as:
- assistance in planning accessibility solutions appropriate to the event
- assistance in assessing the physical accessibility of a venue
- assessing the accessibility of the registration form
- assisting with editing questions on specific needs/contact forms
- assistance in estimating Polish Sign Language interpretation costs
- defining rules for working with a Polish Sign Language interpreter
- indication of guidelines for catering companies
Additionally, as part of cooperation with us, it is possible to rent a portable induction loop, as well as a stand induction loop, supporting deaf/Deaf persons.
We encourage anyone who is considering how to make their event more accessible to contact us at an early planning stage. Adequate preparation will rationalise the cost of adaptations, as well as help you respond to non-standard situations.
For those more broadly interested in the topic, we urge you to read the publication ‘Access Ticket’, which comprehensively answers the above questions and any concerns about organising an accessible event at the Jagiellonian University.