What About Accessibility?
Accessibility concerns many people with diverse needs.
We encourage you to think about any barriers that may affect your guests and be transparent with your community. People with access needs deserve to know what to expect at an event so they can make appropriate decisions and best prepare.
When you are filling out the online form to submit an event, include information about accessibility in the description.
Some questions to consider:
- Is there a pay-what-you-can option?
- Is it mandatory to purchase a ticket ahead of time?
- What is the closest metro station? Is it accessible? What bus routes are nearby?
- Is there space for guests to park? Are there any accessible parking spots? How many?
- Are the doors automatic or manual?
- Is the event located up stairs? How many steps? Is there a handrail? A ramp?
- Is there a working elevator or escalator?
- Are the washrooms accessible? Gender neutral? Where are they located?
- Are children welcome? Is free childcare available?
- Is there a scent-free policy?
- Are service animals allowed?
- Are guests expected to stand or sit on the floor? Will rest seating be available?
- Will food be served? If so, what allergies or dietary restrictions will be accommodated? Can guests bring their own food?
- Will alcohol be consumed or is it an alcohol-free event?
- What level of participation or audience involvement is expected?
- What language(s) will information be presented in?
- Will there be ASL or LSQ interpreters?
- If it is a film screening, will there be closed captioning? In what language?
Given that there are a limitless number of questions you can ask yourself in thinking about accessibility, this list is not exhaustive. Accessibility is a complex concept that deserves thorough and ongoing consideration in order to cultivate a more inclusive arts community in Quebec.
Check out these helpful resources for more information:
Accessibility Guidelines for Organizers & Facilitators (Accessibilize Montreal and the Centre for Community Organizations)
Accessibility Toolkit: A Guide to Making Art Spaces Accessible (Professor Anne Zbitnew, Humber College and Tangled Art + Disability)
Accessibilize Your Event (Olivia Dreisinger)
VIBE: Challenging Ableism and Audism in the Arts (Critical Disability Studies Working Group, Concordia University)
The Radical Access Model of Disability (Community-University Research Exchange Montreal)
Looking for a comprehensive example? Take a peek at the SistersInMotion Accessibility Statement!