Checklist of good practice for accessible training.

Checklist of good practice for accessible training

Pre-training

Ask trainees/ participants about access/ reasonable adjustment needs when you are advertising or booking.

Let participants know beforehand how their needs can be met (re loop systems, note-takers, accessible toilets etc)

Make sure you have done an audit of the venue – always select an accessible venue.

Ensure adequate sound system.

Offer to send handouts in advance in an appropriate format (it is not acceptable to give handouts in course time and expect them to be read – it’s a disabling barrier)

Course Design/content

Make sure there are plenty of breaks

Keep course materials and presentations in Plain English, avoid jargon, acronyms etc

Ensure presentations (eg projector, OHP) in large print, use good colour contrast and are and easy to read

Ensure there is a spare room for any group work (re deaf HoH)

Ensure that presenters and facilitators have disability equality training and don’t create disabling barriers

Ensure all handouts are in accessible formats

Examine your planned activities for disabling barriers

Conducting Training

Explain the timetable/agenda at start

Make sure trainers are visible and face participants when they speak (ditto interpreters etc)

Make sure any written material/presentations are read out and any graphics audio described

Don’t impart information when lights are off for (subtitled) videos etc

If training requires movement (into groups or separate rooms) schedule more time for it (and more space)

Speak Clearly and in Plain English

Give people time to think about what you are telling them

Other issues

If refreshments/lunch is provided, ensure someone is available to host this as it is usually a problem for visually impaired people, wheelchair users and people with limb impairments.

Be aware that there might be participants with impairments you don’t know about – ensure that your training is accessible even if you are not aware of a need.