Tips for making Meetings Disability Friendly (Accessible)

1. Always unlock wheelchair entrance door(s) when unlocking main entrance.



2.  Keep wheelchair ramps and/or entrances clear of any obstacle's which may hinder access.



3.  Space chairs and tables with adequate room for individuals with mobility devices to maneuver around the meeting area freely (without assistance).



4.  Place coffee pots back from the end of tables In a position where a cup will slide under the spout and rest on the table.



5.  Have microphone/amplifier available for chair persons, speakers & readers (seldom is a non amplified voice loud enough for an individual who has a hearing problem).



6.  Be open to the possibility of having certified sign interpreter for an individual who is hearing impaired.



7.  Try to set up the meeting the same way each week eg. (arrange seating, speaker podium, coffee pots, in the same place each meeting). If you move and reorganize things, it's only hiding whatever has been moved to a blind or vision impaired individual.



8.  Freely offer rides to and from meetings when possible (reasons are obvious).



9.  Don't interfere if an individual with disability is doing a task for his or her self (even if it may look awkward to you. It is 0. K to ask if he or she needs help, rather than just jump in and take over.



10.  When closing a meeting, have the chairperson ask everyone to stand in place and Say the "Lord's Prayer" (more often than not. It is unnecessarily difficult for a person with disability to join in on a circle around the room)...
    

Contact Area 26 Special Needs Committee Chairperson at specialneeds@area26.net