Accessibility

Event Planning: Accessibility Considerations

As a public entity, the University must make our events accessible.

Event Accessibility: Pre-Planning:

• Marketing: Ensure that the accessibility coordinator’s email is listed on the RSVP and all marketing materials. Please also use alt text for any photos included in digital promotional materials.
  • UC Berkeley requires that all events designate an Access Coordinator (AC).
    • In order to make sure that all access requests are addressed in a timely manner and that those requests are met to the best of our ability, one person should be designated the Access Coordinator for every event.
    • To learn more, visit Planning for Disability Access and Accommodations: Access Coordinators
      • Sample statement:
        • If you require an accommodation for effective communication (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) or information about campus mobility access features in order to fully participate in this event, please contact [name of Accessibility Coordinator for your event] at [contact information phone number and email] with as much advance notice as possible and at least 7-10 days in advance of the event.
  • OK to include the following language: We will do our best to accommodate all requests, but an exact match may not be possible. Communicating this ahead of time helps in the rare instances where a good faith effort is applied, but you are unable to fully accommodate the request.

• Accommodations: At a minimum, the accommodations statement must include the name of the person serving as access coordinator and a method for contacting them directly (i.e. a phone number or email address).
  • If you receive an accommodation request, it is required to give a good faith effort
    • Even after careful planning, some requests will come too late to be fulfilled or other logistical problems might prevent us from providing the requested accommodation. If you are unable to provide a requested accommodation, explain that clearly to the guest/participant and understand that this can be deeply frustrating for disabled people who want to attend your event.

• Event registration: if you are providing food, ask for guest’s dietary restrictions.