Conducting accessible events and meetings
The Disability Discrimination Act (1992) requires that people with disabilities are able to access and use places open to the public and to access any services and facilities provided in those buildings.
People with disabilities can face barriers to attending and participating in public functions in a variety of ways. They may experience difficulty hearing what is said, seeing small print on an invitation, climbing steps to the venue, understanding signage or using a rest room in the building.
Public events need to be planned to ensure they are accessible to all members of the community. Consideration of aspects such as the venue, continuous accessible path to the venue, invitations, and hearing augmentation are important.
To assist event organisers and function coordinators design, plan and conduct events that are accessible for people with disabilities the Disability Services Commission has produced a booklet Creating Accessible Events.
It is recommended that any venue chosen for a public function or meeting is visited by the organisers so that they may be satisfied of the accessibility of the venue and services. The checklist in the Creating Accessible Events will assist with this determination.
Creating Accessible Events [DOC 469 kB] [PDF 97 kB].
Other information in this section includes:
- Resources for people who are blind or have a vision impairment
- Resources for people who are Deaf or have a hearing impairment
- A guide for event organisers
Resources for people who are blind or have a vision impairment
The Association for the Blind of WA (Inc)
The Association for the Blind of WA (Inc) offers information, advice and support concerning the provision of access for people who are blind or who have a vision impairment.
The Association can be contacted for assistance in presenting a seminar to people with vision impairment, producing written information in alternative formats such as large print, computer disk, audio cassette or Braille, as well as advice on making your web site accessible.
Association for the Blind of WA (Inc)
16 Sunbury Road, Victoria Park, WA 6100
Ph: 9311 8202
Fax: 9361 8696
Resources for people who are Deaf or have a hearing impairment
Auslan interpreters
Australian Sign Language (Auslan) interpreters can be booked through the WA Deaf Society. The Society can also be contacted for information about Telephone Typewriters (TTYs).
The Western Australian Deaf Society Inc.
16 Brentham Street, Leederville, WA 6007
Ph: 9443 2677
Fax: 9444 3592
TTY: 9441 2655
Audio loops - for hire
Better Hearing Australia provide information and advice about assistive listening devices, has audio loops for hire and distribute Better Hearing Kits which provide information about communicating with people with hearing impairments.
Contact details:
Better Hearing Australia
29 West Parade, Perth, WA 6000
Phone: 9328 7938
Fax: 9328 7550
TTY: 9328 7938
Audio loops - for purchase
An audio loop consists of an amplifier and long cable that transmits sound from a public address system directly to the hearing aids of people who are positioned inside the loop cable.
To find out more about purchasing an audio loop in Western Australia contact WA Electronics via their website or telephone 9271 2881 or TTY 9370 3546.
A guide for event organisers
The Meetings and Events Industry of Australia in collaboration with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, has produced a guide to help those responsible for organising events and to ensure they are accessible for people with disabilities - whether they are presenters, sponsors or participants.
Accessible events – a guide for organisers [PDF 104 kB] can be downloaded from the Meetings and Events Australia website.
