Information and Communication

Your promotional information should clearly explain what features are available at your event to support accessibility and inclusion.

Some of the things this could include are:

• A visual map / mud map of the event that clearly shows accessible and inclusive elements, and the continuous accessible paths of travel.
• Information about accessibility on your event website.
• If relevant to your event, include links to Council's map of accessible parking spaces and Navability.
• A Social Story, which is a brief description of the event and activities which include specific information about what to expect. See the 'Information and services' section of our Disability Access Guide for some examples. You can also download our Social Story template DOTX, 84.94 KB or create your own.
• If you're accepting Companion Cards, make sure you advertise this.

The design of your event's marketing material affects its readability and ability to be understood.

Key things to consider when preparing printed information about your event include:

• Make sure information is provided in plain English.
• Let people know the event will be accessible. Provide a link to more details about the accessibility features of the event.
• Use minimum 12-point sans serif type font, such as Arial or Helvetica.
• Avoid using all capitals (instead use upper and lower case), and do not underline text or use italics.
• Use the highest contrast between text and background.
• Use access icons, such as  
• Make sure text is horizontal and straight, not vertical
• Use non-reflective matt paper.
• Provide contact details, including telephone number, email address and website for more information.
• Invite people with accessibility needs to make contact to discuss their requirements. Here’s an example:
  
  We are committed to making [event] a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable event for everyone. For more information about accessibility for [event], visit [URL of access page on the events website] or call [phone number].
  
  For general information about [event] visit, [URL of the event page].

Accessible digital formats

All government agencies must meet the current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) at AA level in their digital communications.

WCAG explains how to present information online so that it can be understood by people with different abilities, or who are using assistive technologies like screen readers or joysticks. WCAG also helps people using mobile devices.

Even if you are not part of a government agency, following the WCAG standards will help make your content accessible to a wider audience.

Accessible digital information

Your website and other digital platforms should include key information about accessibility at your event, such as:

• Accessible public transport options
• Nearest on-street accessible parking space and / or commercial building with accessible parking
• Details of accessible drop-off zone/s
• Locations / names of roads that may be closed or affected
• Accessible seating and viewing areas, and information about booking requirements
• Accessible toilet locations
• Details about hearing loops, Auslan interpreting, captioning and / or audio description if they are provided
• Maps that include key event destinations, accessibility infrastructure and continuous accessible paths of travel
• Relevant access icons
• Alternative ways to contact event organisers, including email, contact number and the National Relay Service
• Contact details for accessibility assistance at the event.

Disability does not define a person.

People with disability have told us how the language we use impacts the way they feel and are perceived in society.

Event organisers, staff, volunteers, and contractors need to be aware of the words they use when talking to, referring to, or working with people with disability.

Disrespectful language can make people with disability feel hurt and excluded and create a barrier to participation.

Here are some examples of inclusive language:

• Use person first language. For example:
  • Person with disability – not disabled person
  • Person who is Deaf or a person who is hard of hearing – not hearing impaired
  • Person who is blind or a person with low vision – not vision impaired
  • Person without disability - not able-bodied or non-disabled
• Use accessible language:
  • Accessible toilet - not disabled toilet
  • Accessible parking – not disabled parking
  • Accessible seating or viewing area or no standing area - not disabled or wheelchair area
  • Continuous accessible path of travel
  • Accessible adult change facility.

Let local disability groups and organisations know that your event is accessible.

Share your marketing material or website links with relevant groups, and ask if they'd be able to help distribute information through their networks.