LFA2026 Inclusive activity checklist

The arrival

Is it safe a safe journey to the space, particularly at night? Is there sufficient lighting and people around?
Is it close enough to public transport, or does it require a long walk through unsafe or inaccessible routes?
Is parking available on site or nearby, in particular blue badge parking? And do you have to book in advance to secure?
Is there sufficient wayfinding, from station, to street, venue or starting point?
Can everyone use the same entrance? Without some having to go round the back to enter?

The venue, starting location or route (on walking tour)

Is it wheelchair accessible, with step free access throughout and space to manoeuvre with ease?
What appears to be a flat space is not always suitable for wheelchair users or those with buggies. Kerb rises, uneven paving stones, long grass and gravel can often go unnoticed. Saying that a location is accessible implies that the location is accessible in its entirety. That includes everything from the main area to the entrance, restrooms, parking area and areas such as the bar – and fire exits. Therefore, it is key you do not state this unless it is actually the case, or without leaving specific notes on the activity listing.
Is there access to gender neutral and accessible toilets, with space to manoeuvre with ease and baby changing facilities?
Is there access to a range of seating options, ideally with a mix of options of soft and hard seats, with and without arms and backs, high and low?
Is there a separate quiet space, that is close to the main space of the activity? With soft lighting and furnishings, reduced noise levels and a space to lie down – and ideal additional items for comfort can include sofas, blankets, cushions, earplugs and eye masks.
Is there access to water and food onsite or nearby, if not provided at the activity already?
Is there access to power points nearby (which may be needed to charge specialist equipment)?
Is there a first-aid trained staff and access lead on site?

Hybrid activity

If people are unable to travel to your activity, is it possible to livestream or record the activity, and make a transcript or a video available online later?

Could you use an alternative venue? Check out our inclusive guide for links to inclusive venues, or chat to the LFA team to see whether we are able to partner you up with an inclusive space from our partners. Please note, things change each year based on availability and we are not able to guarantee a space for your activity.
If you are tied to your venue, could you make some adaptations, even if temporarily?
This could be renting ramps or accessible toilets, bringing in additional lighting and sound systems. Often this can be more affordable and easier to organise than it seems.
Or why not get creative, and work with Disabled artists to create bespoke site adaptations, which can inform future accessibility of the site – like Seats at the Table by The DisOrdinary Architecture Project and Re-Fabricate here.

Considerations with activity content

Is the date and time appropriate for the desired audience?
Is the activity length and format appropriate, with regular breaks (particularly if over an hour)? Or is the pace too fast?
Have you considered accessible display/exhibition layouts?
Have you chosen participants who are representative of Londoners, the topic and the audience? Who might be unintentionally excluded at present?
If an organisation, have you thought about who could be involved in internal and external delivery, incl. younger / quieter / alternative voices?
Have you understood the access requirements of your participants for the delivery of your activity (potentially using an access rider or similar process)?
- And have you allocated space within your budget to allow for requirements that arrive from the above, as well as attendees’ requirements.

Considerations with activity listing on website and comms

Have you been clear in the activity description about all the key W questions? . And have you used concise, simple sentences and ensured there is no jargon in the description. If it can’t be avoided, have you explained the word(s)?
Have you ensured that the activity image is clear, and has good alt text?
Have you ensured that access information is clear (venue and activity specific information)? If you can’t tick every box, just make it clear what you are already offering, what you can offer if needed and what you can’t.
Have you ensured there are contact details for further access information?
Have you marketed your activity on a variety of platforms which are appropriate for your activity, but don’t just reach one audience type?

Considerations with activity content

Exhibition specific

Are works hung at a suitable height, as well as labels/interpretation panels, plinths, display cases (eye level at 1.10m for wheelchair access)?
Is there turning space for wheelchairs and buggies (minimum of 1.30m)?
Is there adequate lighting to move around the space, and see works?
Is there interpretation in a range of formats e.g. Audio description, Large Print.

Considerations with participants

Have you taken appropriate actions for participant and attendee access requirements? E.G: If activity is more than 30 mins, is there a 2nd interpreter.
If providing food, have you got options for all dietary requirements, and have you provided for this correctly and put in an accessible space?
Are participants ready to visually describe themselves (appearance, clothes etc.) in the introduction of the activity?

Considerations with the environment of the activity

Is there clear activity signage with good colour contrast and using clear font types and suitable point size, written in plain language and/or illustrated?
Is the space in format that allows enough room to manoeuvre wheelchairs, mobility aids and pushchairs?
Are your accessible toilets and lifts well maintained (e.g. that the emergency pull cord is within reach from the floor and NOT tied up out of reach)? If toilets are kept locked is signage clear on how to access them, do all of staff know where the key is kept and are they aware of any obstructions stored inside?
Is the quiet room set up correctly?
Are people able to hear what is being said, particularly in the back or online if hybrid? Or is the background music too loud and making communicate hard?
If there will be an interpreter is present, is there sufficient lighting and a direct line of vision between interpreter and those using the interpretation?
Have you got seating reserved for people who need to see the interpreter or hear the speakers more clearly. Have you also got space for their friends?
Have you informed all your team of the seating options available?
Is your assigned first point of contact for access requirements easy to spot?
For walking tours, have you tested out your route to check there are no changes which would mean the route is no longer a step free route, or has too loud noises for example?
Have you got captions turned on and interpreter pinned

For any further areas to consider with your venue, you can check out this building check from BBC here.