ACC Liverpool are committed to creating safe spaces for all and removing barriers to participation across the industry. Through the introduction of their Accessibility Strategy, they have introduced improvements across the business to help event organisers to create more inclusive and accessible events.
The company’s Accessibility Strategy forms part of their Social Value Impact Plan. ‘People’ forms a key pillar of the plan, and this latest toolkit follows the launch of their industry leading Legacy Toolkit last year.
Event organisers are encouraged to explore and consider the resources that have been put together and then work together with the ACC Liverpool team who can help to adapt the recommendations to their specific event needs.
The venue has also partnered with AccessAble, the leading provider of detailed access information in the UK, to better understand diverse access requirements across the campus. Considering their recommendations, a detailed access guide has been developed, which can help event planners to decide if the venues will be suitable for their needs.
Organisers are encouraged to include a link to the guide in their pre-event comms, then delegates can download the free AccessAble app to conveniently access the guide on the go.
ACC Liverpool’s Director of Conference & Business Events, Adrian Evans said:
“It’s fantastic to see the toolkit finally come together providing accessible and inclusive information for our diverse range of clients. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to connect, engage and participate fully and meaningfully in the events taking place across our campus. The toolkit and our strategy will serve as a roadmap to achieving this goal.
We are continually working behind the scenes to increase the accessibility and usability of our venues, making sure that every visit to our campus is an enjoyable one. “
The toolkit outlines improvements and adjustments that the business offers including digital services such as simultaneous translation services and assisted listening headsets; dedicated inclusive room services including spaces for multi-faith purposes, breastfeeding, and sensory rooms; accessible event and city guides; and an event guide with recommendations on how to make events more accessible to neurodivergent visitors.
In addition to creating the toolkit, the team have been working closely with Attitude is Everything, an organisation that supports industry professionals and organisations to understand and improve access. Their Live Events Access Charter is an industry standard designed to help businesses build disability equality into every aspect of their venue and events.
Director of Operations & Venue Management for ACC Liverpool, Eddie Dos Santos said:
“Accessibility is about more than just physical facilities, it’s our culture and attitude that sets us apart. We train and support our staff to deepen understanding around equality, diversity, and inclusion to promote an inclusive culture.
We’re making great strides towards obtaining the Attitude is Everything Gold status for our venues. We believe live entertainment should be enjoyed by everyone, and we want to do all we can continue to welcome a diverse range of clients and visitors through our doors for events of the highest quality. The support and guidance we’ve received from Attitude is Everything has been invaluable in improving the service we provide to our clients and our community.”
The toolkit can be accessed here.
For more information regarding ACC Liverpool’s Inclusivity Toolkit, Accessibility Strategy and Social Value Plan, visit the team on stand D32C at International Confex at Excel London from 28th – 29th February.