Making your Events Inclusive and Welcoming

A practical guide for Keele University club and society committees on how to plan inclusive, accessible, and welcoming events for all students. Includes checklists, tips, and resources.

🎯 Your Accessibility Checklist

Use this guide to ensure your events are inclusive from the start.

🏛 Venue & Physical Access

  • Choose step-free venues with accessible toilets and signage.
  • Provide flexible seating for wheelchair users or those with mobility needs.
  • Ensure the venue is reachable by accessible transport or parking.

🧠 Neurodiversity & Sensory Needs

  • Offer quiet spaces for sensory breaks.
  • Avoid flashing lights or loud music unless necessary—give advance notice.
  • Use clear, structured agendas to help attendees prepare.

🗣 Communication & Information

  • Use plain, inclusive language in all materials.
  • Provide resources in multiple formats (PDF, large print, digital).
  • Include captions or transcripts for videos and presentations.

💷 Financial Accessibility

  • Keep events free or low-cost where possible.
  • Be transparent about costs and offer support if needed.

🧍‍♀️ Support & Inclusion

  • Assign an accessibility lead for each event.
  • Ask attendees about access needs during sign-up.
  • Encourage your team to complete inclusivity training.

📢 Promotion & Outreach

  • Use diverse, inclusive imagery in your promotions.
  • Clearly state accessibility features in event descriptions.

📝 After the Event

  • Collect feedback on accessibility and inclusion.
  • Use insights to improve future events.

🛠 Resources for Committees

🤝 Let’s Lead by Example

By embedding accessibility into your planning, you help create a culture of belonging at Keele. Let’s make every event a space where everyone feels welcome.