Policies Accessibility
Current as of February 2023
Overview/Purpose
The Edmonton Poetry Festival Society (EPFS) strives to ensure that, wherever possible, venues, events and information will be accessible. This policy outlines how EPFS will:
- make an effort to present in spaces and venues that are free from physical and other barriers so that someone with any disability can enjoy the same experience, interactions, and ease of use as anyone else.
- aim to ensure everyone can access the information provided on our website
Definitions
Accessibility: the state in which a person with a disability is afforded the same opportunity as someone without a disability. An accessible environment will integrate the experiences of people with and without disabilities.
Discrimination: A distinction, whether intentional or not, based on a characteristic or perceived characteristic that has the effect of imposing on an individual or group of individuals burdens, obligations or disadvantages that are not imposed on others, or of withholding or limiting access to opportunities, benefits and advantages available to other individuals in society.
Mental disability: Any mental disorder, developmental disorder or learning disorder, regardless of the cause or duration of the disorder.
Physical disability: Any degree of physical disability, deformity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by injury, birth defect or illness. This includes, but is not limited to, epilepsy; paralysis; amputation; lack of physical coordination; visual, hearing and speech impediments; and physical reliance on a guide dog, wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device.
Physical Accessibility
EPFS strives to ensure the accessibility of the physical spaces that are used during an event produced by EPFS, including our annual Festival, and WORD*LAB.
Programming & Events
- EPFS will aim to include at least one event during the festival that is online accessible for audience members, participants and performers/poets who might have difficulties accessing physical space, or limitations that make in-person events more challenging.
- e.g. A reading, workshop or panel that can be held over Zoom or another digital platform
- In keeping with the EPFS Equity Initiatives, make efforts to program performers with disabilities, recruit volunteers with disabilities and be open and inclusive to staff or board members with disabilities.
- EPFS will not dismiss or discriminate against anyone involved with EPFS due to disability.
Selecting Venues
While acknowledging that the EPFS has many different venues/spaces in which events are held, EPFS will consider physical accessibility when selecting venues for events, performances and activities. This should include, but is not limited to:
- entrances and exits that are free from barriers that hinder those with mobility impairments or who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids
- e.g. Is there an entrance/exit that does not require stairs?
- Distance to transit routes/stops
- e.g. Can we choose central venues that are easier to access for those who cannot drive or who might have socioeconomic barriers that make reaching some locations more difficult?
- The space is set up so that performers/speakers are easily seen and heard for those with visual and hearing impairments
Communication with performers, volunteers and/or event host(s) and guests/audience members
EPFS will state on its website that if a performer, volunteer, event host or guest/audience member requires accommodation for accessibility at a venue, they can communicate that to EPFS staff or board members in advance and best efforts will be made.
Digital Accessibility
EPFS will make every effort to ensure that our website and online presence is accessible to everyone. This includes measures such as:
- Using clear and simple language
- Including subtitles and/or downloadable transcripts for digital content on our website
- Providing alternative text description for images
- Including a Website Accessibility page on our website that includes information on how to change the font and how to make your browser compatible
Links and Resources
Policy and Review Tracking
Date Created: December 2022
Date Reviewed: February 2023