DREAM Accessibility Checklist

Mission:

Celebrate diversity and amplify the joy of marginalized communities while fostering access to resources, opportunity, and community connection.

How to use:

Use this checklist when planning events and meetings to help ensure we create inclusive, welcoming experiences for all members. These are accessibility considerations that often go overlooked when they don’t directly affect us — things like captioning, mobility access, or communication supports — yet they are essential for equitable participation. Our long-term goal is to build these considerations into our standard practices, so members who need accommodations aren’t put in the position of having to request them or navigate unnecessary hurdles.

If you have questions or need help thinking through accessibility for an upcoming event, the DEI team is available as a resource. We are here to support your planning process.

Event Planning 

General Best Practices:

• Choose a date that doesn't conflict with religious or cultural holidays
• Start each event with reading meeting norms and land acknowledgement.
  • For virtual events, land acknowledgements should be for where the main event is being hosted.
  • Resources found here: https://www.neefusa.org/guide-indigenous-land-acknowledgment

In-Person Event Venue Selection:

• Ensure the venue is ADA compliant and has features like ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and clear signage.
  • Are certain areas not wheelchair accessible? Are there tight corners? Is the stage accessible?
  • ADA compliance is a baseline. Consider additional supports that may create a more comfortable or navigable experience for members.
• Create an accessibility map of how to access the venue, including where wheelchair access is, where bathrooms are, where to find food and water, etc.
  • Ensure map is accessible for blind and low-vision members with text based descriptions
• Ensure venues have adequate air filtration, employ air purifiers (Clean Air Club loans air purifiers for free and a formula for calculating air cleanliness), UV-C at all public/red carpet events, have masks available at large events
  • CDC air quality guidelines
• Ensure a clear and barrier-free path of travel from the entrance to the event space
• Consider the venue's proximity to public transportation and accessible parking. List distances/inclines on accessibility map.
• Provide gender-neutral restrooms to accommodate diverse gender identities 
• Be mindful of sensory sensitivities and offer options like designated quiet areas or noise-canceling headphones, and potentially a lactation room (should have access to power) when available. Quiet areas/zones should not exceed 60 decibels (db), to allow for quiet conversation or networking, without damaging ears or the voices of people needing to yell over loud noises 
• Have staff or volunteers available to offer support with directions, guidance, and assistance. 
• Offer a variety of food options to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, and clearly label ingredients. 
• Provide a variety of seating options, including those for individuals with mobility limitations or other needs, for example armless chairs.
• Offer translation services and ensure all event materials are accessible in multiple languages. 
• Offer ASL services via Pro Bono ASL (Recording Academy Community Partner) when applicable