This page centralizes resource links for inclusive event planning and hosting, including both on-campus and off-campus resources. If you have any feedback, would like to see additional resources added to this document, or if a link is not functioning properly, please contact Event & Conference Services via email at schedule@umbc.edu.
General Tips
- Have speakers use a microphone for loud and clear communication
- Use closed captions for presentations
- Ask your guests in advance what accommodations they may need
- Plan ahead! Coordinate services and resource requests in advance
- Announce when the event begins and ends
- Introduce yourself and any guest speakers, assistants, interpreters, and any other service providers (identify pronouns)
- Describe the room layout and location of emergency exits, food/beverage tables, and restrooms
- If applicable, consider food allergies, preferences based on religion and beliefs, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, dairy-free food options
- Avoid using strobe lights and unusually loud sounds
- Ensure visual/audio content is large and loud enough
- Face the audience when speaking
- Use inclusive language
- Keep hands & other objects away from your mouth when speaking, speak loud & clear, use a mic if possible
- Incorporate pauses to allow participants to process the information
- Check for questions or concerns throughout the event
- Incorporate breaks if applicable
- Ask for feedback during and after the event
UMBC Resources
- UMBC Student Disability Services
- UMBC Accessibility & Disability Services
- UMBC Interpreter Request Form for Departments/Events
- How to Add Closed Captions to a Webex Event.
- Approved Caterers and Food Options
- UMBC Dining Vegan and Vegetarian Options
- Website Accessibility from UMBC Accessibility & Disability Services
- UMBC Sign Shop information from Facilities Management
- Campus Map with Accessible Routes
- Campus Map with All Gender Restrooms
- UMBC Events
- UMBC Holiday Leave Schedule
- UMBC Women’s Center
- UMBC Office of Equity & Inclusion
- i3b – Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging
- Inclusive and Affirming Language – UMBC Style Guide
- commonvision – Marketing and Promotion
External Resources
- Event Planning Inclusivity from Social Tables
- Inclusivity & Equity Checklist – Tufts University
- Inclusivity and Equity Event Planning – Buffer
- Inclusive Presentations Tips from Microsoft
- Assistive Resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Assistive Technology from the Assistive Technology Industry Association
- Creating Accessible Documents
- List of Disability Types
- List of Offensive (Exclusionary) Words from ONGIG
- Inclusive Language from The University of Australia
- University of Queensland Guide to Using Inclusive Language