Accessibility information should be available before people arrive
Too often, people only find out whether an event will work for them once they've already arrived, or after a string of back-and-forth emails. Access Declared helps organisers share clear accessibility information upfront, before anyone has to ask, so attendees know what to expect and organisers spend less time answering the same questions.
Please note that Access Declared is a new initiative, built and maintained in my own time. I'm actively reviewing and improving it based on feedback, so please bear with me if something doesn't look right yet. You can use the feedback form in the footer to report anything that needs fixing or suggest an improvement.
Free to use · No account needed · Online, in-person, hybrid, or as a speaker · Usually takes 5–10 minutes
Why this matters
Too often, people still have to ask
The usual ‘let us know if you have any requirements’ statement may sound helpful, but it leaves people to work out what to ask, explain their needs, chase replies and plan around uncertainty. That additional effort is part of what disabled people describe as the Accessibility Time Tax.
The impact is measurable.
70% of disabled people say they spend extra time on things that those without a disability don't have to think about
53% spend 1–5 hours every week planning around access needs
83% say this extra effort increases stress or anxiety
"Every single outing involves this level of detail… I have to build contingency plans into contingency plans."
That means accessibility information is relevant to a significant proportion of every audience. Sharing it upfront helps people prepare, reduces uncertainty, and supports more confident attendance.
Behind the project
Why I built Access Declared
Access Declared was built by Caris Graham, drawing on her experience in EDI, accessibility and inclusive events. She wanted to turn a principle many organisations already agree with into a simple tool they could use without specialist knowledge, a large budget or a lengthy assessment process.
A declaration that names what is not currently provided gives attendees an answer instead of leaving them to make assumptions. Silence is easy to misread, and guesswork is exactly what Access Declared exists to remove.
A list of only positives can read like marketing. A list that includes limitations reads like the truth, and that is what builds trust.
Examples
See what attendees will receive
A short example showing what an event provides and what it doesn't. This can be shared as a public link or copied into your event page, invitation or communications.
Online webinar
Provides
An agenda will be shared in advance
Automatic captions will be switched on during the session
You will be told in advance what to expect, including the format, whether cameras or speaking are expected, how activities will work and when breaks are planned
You will be able to listen and observe without being expected to speak or contribute out loud
For sessions lasting an hour or more, a break will be included at least once an hour
Materials or slides will be shared in advance in an accessible format
You will be able to take part in more than one way, such as speaking, chat or written questions, and there will be time to respond before the session moves on
A recording will be shared after the event, and it will include captions or a transcript
Not currently available
BSL interpretation has not currently been arranged for this event. If you need it, please contact us as soon as possible — booking an interpreter usually needs around two weeks' notice, and we'll do what we can.
This is a shortened example; the full checklist covers more detail.
Every generated declaration also includes a standard note explaining that the information is self-reported and that individual access requests must still be considered.
Checklists are available for online, in-person and hybrid events, with additional questions for events that include networking. Individual speakers can also create a speaker declaration for their own session.
For organisers
Bringing this to your organisation
We've put together resources to help you make the case including email templates and answers to common questions.
Using one consistent process across teams and event types makes accessibility information less dependent on individual organisers remembering what to include.
Access Declared is not an accreditation scheme or assessment. It is a practical 5-10 minute starting point for events in any sector, without expecting perfection.
Online, in-person, hybrid — or a Speaker declaration if you're presenting at someone else's event.
02
Share what attendees can expect
Work through a simple, supportive checklist.
03
Share your declaration
Add it to your event page, invitation or communications.
Free resource library
Practical guidance to help you improve over time
Free resources explaining why each consideration matters, who it can support, and practical ways to implement improvements before, during and after your event.
We collect no personal information: no accounts, no profiles, no attendee data.
Anonymous usage statistics may help us understand how the tool is being used, but organisations and individuals are never identified.
Better information creates better experiences
Every organisation is starting from a different place.
Access Declared helps make accessibility communication a normal part of event planning, giving attendees clearer information and helping organisations recognise practical ways to improve over time.
Because people deserve to know what to expect before they arrive.