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Specific Provisions for Author Networking Events

(e.g. receptions and parties)

It doesn’t make sense to ensure disabled authors are included in your programmed events only to close the door on them when it comes to networking events and parties. It’s imperative that disabled authors are equally included in the opportunity to meet others, build relationships, meet collaborators, and to celebrate the work of their peers, otherwise their career will suffer.

In-Person Networking Events

“I would like to network, socialise and meet people, but there’s no interpreters, no access. Yes, all the keynotes, the speeches are covered, but the networking isn’t, because the interpreter needs a break. So, I’ve just stopped going to those kinds of events.”
— Bea Webster

  1. Seating:

    Provide adequate seating at reception venues for those who can’t stand for long (and an option for disabled attendees to reserve seats). Have footstools for those who require them.

  1. Wheelchair access

    Ensure the layout of seats and tables allows space for a wheelchair user to get around. If there is a drinks table or buffet, ensure there is someone there who can pass things to, or carry things for, people who can’t do this for themselves.

  2. Accessible Toilets

    Ensure there are working accessible toilets in the venue, preferably near the reception room.

  3. Sensory:

    Don’t have any background music – this can be a significant access barrier for some deaf and hard of hearing people. Have soft, warm lighting. Provide a nearby quiet break-out space.

    Reference: Jamie Hale

  4. Catering

    Many networking events encourage alcohol consumption with a predominant offering of a range of alcoholic beverages and only one soft-drink option. Organisers should ensure to offer a balanced range. Consider putting on some alcohol-free receptions/networking events.

    If offering food, have a range of gluten-free and vegan options, and check with attendees in advance if they have any allergies. Don’t serve nuts.

    Make sure serving tables are at a height suitable for wheelchair users and ask your caterers to provide some glasses and mugs with a handle and have plastic straws available.

Online Networking Events

“I find networking online so much easier than in person. If I’m in a room with lots of people, it’s quite difficult to hear, and because I’m in a wheelchair and I’m so low down, it’s really hard to just go up to somebody and say hi.”
— Penny Batchelor

  1. Chair/Facilitator

    Provide a Chair/facilitator to ensure people have adequate space to talk and introduce themselves, whether via the chat box or speaking, and assist in bringing more introverted people into the conversation.

    See “Author Meet-Up with Chair” in the General Events section for more information.

  2. BSL Interpreters and live captioners:

    Provide BSL interpreters and live captioners, as required, with an option to request anonymously. If there’s no captioner, auto-captions should always be enabled as standard. However, as mentioned, auto-captions do not provide proper access.

    See “Spotlight: Live Captioners” for more information.