Accessibile & Inclusive Events

Equity and inclusion are part of Swarthmore’s mission statement. The purpose of this document is to provide some guidance on how to accomplish this goal when hosting events.

Accessible v. Inclusive

There is a distinction between an accessible event and an inclusive event. An accessible event as one without barriers to attendance or barriers to receiving information or opportunity offered by the event. Inclusive events not only remove barriers to attendance, they also promote and encourage participation

The Importance of Inclusive Events

In today's diverse society, it is more important than ever to ensure that events are inclusive of all members of our community, including those with disabilities. People with disabilities face a variety of barriers when trying to participate in events, and it is our responsibility to remove these barriers so that everyone can enjoy the same opportunities. The principles of universal design offer guidance on how to accomplish this.

Benefits of Inclusive Events

There are many benefits to hosting inclusive events. Inclusive events can provide a sense of belonging and community. They can help people build relationships, learn new skills, and gain access to resources. For event organizers, inclusive events can help to attract a wider audience, generate positive publicity, and improve their reputation.