Event FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions we receive regarding planning accessible events.
Do all Humboldt sponsored events need to be accessible to individuals with disabilities?
Do all Humboldt sponsored events need to be accessible to individuals with disabilities?
Humboldt is committed to equal access for individuals with disabilities and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. As such, Humboldt community members who are planning events should work to ensure that full participation by ALL members of the Humboldt community have been taken into consideration. Proactive planning is key to ensuring equitable access to campus events. Groups planning events are strongly encouraged to utilize the Campus Event Accessibility Planning Guide. Organizers can also email the ADA/504 Coordinator with questions.
What is Universal Design (UD)?
What is Universal Design (UD)?
Universal Design (UD) is the idea of creating equitable spaces that do not require accommodations. UD is sometimes referred to as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a concept that is specific to the classroom and creates opportunities and educational curriculums that are accessible for individuals regardless of their size, age, ability, or disability. When planning an event on campus, the Humboldt campus community should implement UD by simply considering how the event environment can be accessed and designed for ALL community members who wish to utilize it. For example, locating events in spaces that have push-button or automatic doors allows for easy entrance and exit for all individuals who are attending your event, not just those with mobility concerns. The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) is an excellent source for more information on UD.
Do promotional materials need to have an accessible statement?
Do promotional materials need to have an accessible statement?
ALL promotional materials should have a statement that includes contact information and/or a QR code to a request form for individuals who have specific disability related questions or requests. Sample Statement for Use:
Individuals who have mobility access requests, and/or hearing, and/or visual, and/or other specific accessibility needs, should contact [insert designated Access Organizer name] at [email and/or phone] at least seven (7) to ten (10) days prior to the event.
As well, all materials should include accessibility features such as alternative text descriptions ("alt tags") for images and font sizes and types that promote the ability to read and understand the materials. Use of screenshots of text, snapshots/frozen objects, or other type of design elements that do not permit a screen reader to understand the graphic is strongly discouraged.
Who pays for accommodations?
Who pays for accommodations?
The event host is responsible for the costs of ASL, CART or other specific services. Larger accessibility items such as ramps or point-to-point access may be included as a part of an event when they are available. The host may be responsible for specialized ramps, stands or other features of the event. It is best to create the site plan, then consult with the ADA/504 Coordinator. Events that are not hosted by Humboldt but occur under contract with an outside organization require the contracted event host to identify and cover costs such as ASL or CART.
Who do presenters at a Humboldt sponsored events contact regarding accommodations?
Who do presenters at a Humboldt sponsored events contact regarding accommodations?
Individuals who are presenting at a Humboldt sponsored event and require accommodations should email the designated organization/office contact person who is planning the event to discuss specific accommodations that might be needed. Individuals can also email the ADA/504 Coordinator.
Do accommodations need to be made for virtual/remote events?
Do accommodations need to be made for virtual/remote events?
When hosting a virtual/remote event, work to ensure the hosting platform has accessibility features enabled for use and that meeting moderators know how to effectively operate these features. Participants and/or promotional materials should include information about how to utilize accessibility features in a virtual/remote setting.