Accessibility policy
Overview:
Bechdel Theatre is committed to ensuring that its virtual workspace (Google Workspace & Zoom), website and events are accessible to the widest possible audience of staff, performers, collaborators and audiences.
Our commitment:
The long-term goal and intention of this policy is to state clear accessibility principles that Bechdel Theatre should follow.
Virtual Workspace:
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Provides in-depth resources to staff about accessibility
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Listens to each participants accessibility requirement before a meeting, and takes necessary steps to make the space accessible
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Provides captioning for meetings
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Maintains transparency in what is not accessible using Zoom and Google Workspace and what is, and works to counter what is not accessible
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Aims to become ‘barrier-free’ for all persons
Performers, collaborators and staff:
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Talks to individuals about accessibility requirements and support
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Provides an in-depth description of venues in a timely fashion
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Supplies gender-neutral bathrooms in all locations
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Offers advice on accessible transit routes, ensuring that there is sufficient public transport links and accessible parking at all events
Performance Venues:
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Event general admission will not require ID unless alcohol is served
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Seek to offer affordable ticket prices and continue to make offers free tickets through community partners
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Where possible offer closed captioning
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Maintain transparency about what is not accessible in venues and what is, and work to counter what is not accessible
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Express no extra charge for accessibility requirements
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Provide an in-depth description of venues to audiences well ahead of performance dates
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Supplies gender-neutral bathrooms in all locations
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Emphasizes the need for scent-reduction in spaces and works to reduce scents
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Offers advice on accessible transit routes, ensuring that there is sufficient public transport links and accessible parking at all events
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Follows FFZ: Free Passage, Flat Surface and Zero Barriers when looking at setting up all events and the access into and around the building and strives to adhere to this as closely as is possible.
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Ensures that all physical spaces are clearly signposted both inside and outside the building, and that information desks, quiet areas and toilets are clear and easy to locate
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Where possible and relevant, will provide audio and written descriptions of performance spaces, performers etc (not an exhaustive list)
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Will, where possible, send out pre-made accessibility packs before events to those who may need/request/benefit from it
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Will work with the relevant professionals to have spaces and events assessed for accessibility before the event takes place to the public
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Will work to gather feedback through a variety of mediums after events/performances to improve work in the future and find out what more can be done.
Digital Performances:
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Endeavours to make online events equally as accessible, including but not limited to providing subtitles, hiring sign language interpreters, prohibiting the use of restricted substances on camera, content warning for flashing lights and noises over certain decibels, and breakout rooms.
Website:
This accessibility statement applies to www.bechdeltheatre.com. This website is run by Bechdel Theatre. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website.
Bechdel Theatre commits to Accessible Formatting on its website including
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Readable fonts: Sans serif fonts, as letters can appear less crowded.
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Fonts 18pt or over are more accessible for colour contrast – all our site body copy is 18pt or above
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Larger inter-letter / character spacing (sometimes called tracking) improves readability, ideally around 35% of the average letter width. If letter spacing is excessive it can reduce readability.
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Inter-word spacing should be at least 3.5 times the inter-letter spacing.
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Avoid underlining and italics as this can make the text appear to run together and cause crowding. Use bold for emphasis.
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Avoid text in uppercase/capital letters and small caps, which can be less familiar to the reader and harder to read.
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For headings, use a font size that is at least 20% larger than the normal text. If further emphasis is required, then use bold.
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Use formatting tools for text alignment, justification, indents, lists, line and paragraph spacing to support assistive technology users. In Word, you’ll find these tools in the ‘Layout’ tab:
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Add extra space around headings and between paragraphs.
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Ensure hyperlinks look different from headings and normal text.
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Use single colour backgrounds. Avoid background patterns or pictures and distracting surrounds.
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Use sufficient contrast levels between background and text.
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Use dark coloured text on a light (not white) background.
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Ensure all colours, backgrounds and fonts are tested for accessibility using contrastchecker.com
Implementation of policy
All staff are given access to our policy when joining the organisation.
Policy review
Bechdel Theatre is committed to reviewing the policy annually.
Date Reviewed: September 2021
Next Review Date: September 2021