Designing for Dignity: Why Accessibility Isn’t a Side Note

Accessibility in events is too often reduced to a checklist: ramps, toilets, step free access.

But designing for dignity goes beyond compliance.

It means asking: Can every person at your event participate fully, confidently, and comfortably without having to ask for special treatment?

The Real Meaning of Accessibility

True accessibility isn’t about doing the bare minimum. It’s about designing with intention. Physical access is just the beginning. Cognitive and sensory inclusion, clear wayfinding, accessible communication, and respectful facilities provision all shape how someone experiences your event. And let’s not forget the human factor: staff behaviour and language can instantly make someone feel welcome, or excluded.

When people feel like an afterthought, they remember. When they feel considered, they come back.

What Gets Missed (and Why It Matters)

Think of the trackway that turns to mud halfway through day one, or the signage that’s too high, too small, or too abstract. Think of accessible toilets used as storage or locked altogether. Or the quiet zone placed next to the speaker stack. Or the well meaning volunteer who simply doesn’t know how to assist with dignity.

None of these are done with malice. But they send a message; one that can turn a joyful experience into an exhausting one.

And these moments accumulate. For some guests, every event is a negotiation: Will I be able to get around? Will I have to advocate for myself? Will I be able to stay the full day? Will I even be safe?

That constant mental load isn’t visible to everyone, but it’s very real.

Inclusion Is a Creative Opportunity

Accessibility isn’t a limitation. It’s a design opportunity. Some of the most innovative experiences come from considering access from the start. Tactile maps and braille signage support more than just blind guests. Calm zones help neurodivergent visitors and overwhelmed parents. Content delivered in layered formats: visual, audio and text helps everyone engage more fully.

When you design accessibly, you often design better for everyone.

And crucially, accessibility also means the right to opt in. Guests shouldn't be excluded by default simply because planners didn’t have time to test a route, or thought a single step wouldn’t matter. These details matter deeply.

Frameworks Worth Considering

The Social Model of Disability reframes the conversation: it’s the environment that disables, not the individual. That perspective changes everything. It pushes us to create spaces where everyone can participate on equal footing.

Co design is another powerful tool: bringing D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent voices into the planning process early. Their input makes the difference between assumptions and insight.

Dignity centred planning means thinking beyond compliance and prioritising autonomy and respect at every guest touchpoint. Even something as simple as offering optional access riders during ticket purchase can signal care: a chance for guests to state what they need, without having to justify it on the day.

And don't overlook staff training. The best infrastructure in the world can be undone by a single dismissive interaction. Teams need tools and language to respond helpfully, confidently, and respectfully in real time.

Progress Is Better Than Perfection

No one gets it 100% right. But avoiding the topic because it feels daunting? That’s no longer good enough.

Accessible design is about being a better host. It’s about creating space for everyone to be present, included, and respected without needing to ask.

It’s about saying: You belong here. We thought about you. We’ve got you.