In part one, we celebrated the Olympics and Paralympics and reflected on the values that encompass the spirit of the Games, including safety, diversity, innovation and collaboration. Creating accessible and inclusive spaces is also vital to maintaining the spirit of the Games and planning a successful and exciting event everyone can enjoy.
Planning for Accessibility and Inclusion
Planning an accessible Olympics and Paralympics ensures the full participation of athletes and attendees of all abilities and enhances the overall experience for everyone. Moreover, accessibility is not limited to physical access for mobility. It encompasses providing spaces and information that are accessible to all, including those with low vision or hearing and individuals across multiple cognitive spectrums.
Comprehensive planning is essential, regardless of the event's nature, size or location. The Games event planners must prioritise accessibility from the earliest stages and strive to implement best practices wherever possible. This includes considering:
- Venue and infrastructure accessibility (e.g., ensuring appropriate infrastructure for maximum access within and around the venue or space).
- Specific accessibility needs (e.g., planning for mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive needs).
- Inclusive participation (e.g., Auslan interpreters, hearing augmentation, live captioning, audio description and sensory spaces).
- Communications and material (e.g., a dedicated accessibility webpage that outlines key access features of the event in appropriate formats/technology, including printed material and a functional booking system).
- Staff training (e.g., appropriate terminology for servicing or assisting someone with accessibility needs).
The goal is to create a seamless accessibility network that considers every stage, from pre-event information and entrances to seating and overall participant enjoyment.
Accessibility Compliance
A significant aspect of planning any event is ensuring compliance with federal, state and local codes and standards for accessibility. For example, event organisers in Australia must integrate accessibility considerations into the planning process as required by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) of 1992.
Permanent venues and temporary setups must adhere to the Australian Standard 1428 suite, the DDA, the National Construction Code (NCC) and universal design principles.
Where "Deemed to Satisfy" provisions cannot be met, a certified accessibility consultant can provide a "performance solution" detailing alternative ways to achieve compliance through operational adjustments, modified designs, or specialised infrastructure and technology. By adopting these performance solutions, event organisers can maintain compliance with the intent of accessibility and universal design principles.
Striving for Continuous Improvements in Accessibility
Event organisers should aim for best practices in accessibility by implementing universal design and delivering accessible facilities and services. This approach not only removes barriers and promotes broader participation but also drives positive cultural change, leaving a lasting legacy within the community.
Jensen Hughes has a broad range of experience as an accessibility consultant for major events, such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sydney and Beijing, where we developed an accessible venue and transport strategy that catered to the entire Games community. We’ve established universal design policies, guidelines and strategies for public events to ensure inclusive and accessible experiences for everyone. Learn more about our accessibility and universal design services.