Accessibility Checklist:
Accessibility Improvements – Ayclive:
Comprehensive Inclusion Checklist, by Sarah Wingfield 🌹
Sensory Bags (Available for Borrowing or Renting)
Each sensory bag should include:
Noise-cancelling headphones or ear defenders
Fidget toys (including different textures and types for sensory regulation)
Mood cards (to help communicate feelings non-verbally)
Sunglasses or coloured overlays for light sensitivity
Tissues and grounding items (e.g. soft fabric, small weighted object)
Laminated sensory cue cards with simple statements (e.g. "I need a break", "Please speak slowly")
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Disability Support Team
A visible, designated team trained in autism, chronic illness, sensory processing disorders, and mental health conditions
Staffed by individuals who are calm, respectful, and trained in de-escalation and inclusive communication
Team members should be clearly identifiable (e.g. with armbands, lanyards or shirts)
Ideally includes disabled team members and/or trauma-informed professionals
Available throughout the event to assist with accessibility needs or if someone is in distress
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Neurodivergence and Invisible Illness Awareness
Ensure all staff and security receive training on autism, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, POTS, ME/CFS, and other invisible conditions
Emphasise non-confrontational, compassionate communication styles
Understand that meltdowns, shutdowns, panic attacks or emotional distress are not attention-seeking but valid reactions to overwhelming stimuli
Avoid blaming, escalating, or dismissing someone’s response — instead offer support and space
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Event Signage and Information
Clear, well-positioned signs with large, high-contrast text and symbols
Simple directional signage for entrances, toilets, accessible facilities, quiet zones, and exits
Ensure queue signage is clear and easy to follow for all attendees
Avoid small or cluttered fonts and confusing layouts
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Communication and Interaction
Be respectful, patient and calm — especially with those who may struggle with anxiety, verbal communication, or processing instructions
If asking a disabled person to wait, first consider:
Are they a chronic pain or fatigue sufferer?
Can they be offered a seat or sheltered area?
Always acknowledge a disabled person’s concern or distress — don’t deflect, blame or minimise
If you’ve impacted someone negatively, step back and reflect rather than justifying — especially if you’re also disabled. Being disabled yourself is not an excuse for dismissing or harming others
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Toilets and Facilities
Ensure at least one wheelchair-accessible toilet is available near key event areas
If using portable cabins, offer access to a fixed accessible toilet (e.g. Oakleaf) where needed
Clearly signpost accessible toilets
Ensure they are kept clean and not blocked or used by non-disabled people unless necessary
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Parking and Physical Access
Disabled parking must be close to the event entrance, especially for those who are carrying equipment or have limited mobility
Ensure paths to and around the venue are as level, firm and barrier-free as possible
Offer drop-off points where possible
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Safe Spaces and Regulation Areas
You already allow small tents — this is excellent. Publicly promote that attendees can use their own tents as a sensory or emotional regulation space
Ideally, offer a festival-provided quiet zone: a tent or space away from loud music and crowds with low lighting and soft furnishings
Include signage and clear boundaries so people know this is a calm space for decompression
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Entry and Queue Management
Provide early entry or priority access for those with sensory, fatigue or mobility needs
Avoid forcing people with disabilities to queue unnecessarily — or provide seats or shade
Allow companions or carers to stay with the person they’re supporting
Consider a fast-track or access wristband system for those who need it
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Emergency Preparedness
Ensure evacuation plans include considerations for people with mobility, sensory and communication needs
Train staff in supporting individuals who may panic or become disoriented during emergencies
Communicate plans clearly through both audio and visual formats
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Information Access
Provide accessibility information in advance on your website and social media (include site maps, access routes, facilities)
Offer printed versions of key information at the event for those without smartphones
Include a visual schedule or programme to help neurodivergent attendees plan their day
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Food, Medication, and Health Considerations
Ensure staff understand the importance of medication access and dietary restrictions
Food vendors should be allergy-aware and able to provide ingredient information
Attendees should be allowed to bring in necessary medical food, drink or equipment
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Event Culture and Professional Conduct
Staff and volunteers should remain professional, calm and inclusive at all times — avoid shouting, passive-aggressive remarks, or dismissiveness
Remember: how you treat people will be remembered long after the event
Never be the reason someone had to leave
Encourage feedback after the event, especially from disabled attendees, to improve in the future
Sarah Wingfield
Independent Disability Advocate
