Creating Accessible Events at Butler University

Welcome to the Creating Accessible Events at Butler University libguide! This libguide was created to help event planners ensure that their event is as accessible as possible by outlining accessibility standards and best practices. It also contains many additional resources for further inquiry. Since many accessibility decisions for in-person and digital events are interrelated, information is not repeated in multiple sections. It is suggested that you look through each page regardless of what type of event is being hosted.

"It is the policy and practice of Butler University to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Under these laws, no qualified individual with a disability will be denied access to or participation in services, programs, and activities of Butler University. In compliance with the above federal laws and applicable regulations, appropriate academic adjustments and/or reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with properly documented disabilities."

Butler University. (n.d.) Student Disability Services. https://www.butler.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/student-disability-services/

All Butler-sponsored events must include the following statement on any event advertisement:

"For Accessibility information or to request disability-related accommodations, including dining needs, please visit https://www.butler.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/student-disability-services/event-accommodations/. For disability-related accommodation requests, please allow two weeks’ advance notice in order to allow adequate time to make arrangements. Although attempts will be made to honor accommodation requests with less notice, it cannot be guaranteed that without two-weeks’ notice a reasonable accommodation can be provided.”

All events should be planned with accessibility at the forefront, not an afterthought. By doing so, all events can be created through Universal Design. Universal Design, or UD, is the principle that all spaces, tangible and intangible, should be designed to be inherently accessible regardless of ability, age, or size. Universal Design incorporates seven principles to foster accessible environments.

Adapted from Center for Excellence in Universal Design. (n.d.). About Universal Design. https://universaldesign.ie/about-universal-design 

To learn more about the seven principles of Universal Design, please visit "What Is Universal Design?"