A few weeks ago we held Diverse Educators II. The follow up to our inaugural event in January 2018. This year’s theme was This is Me as this was the song I left last year’s attendees with so it seemed fitting to open with our school choir, Voices of Aureus, performing it with Makaton.
The purpose of the initial event was to explore the inter-sectionality of our identities and to bring together the grassroots organisations #WomenEd and #BAMEed, to support #LGBTed pre their launch and nurture #DisabilityEd who were preparing to launch.
It seems crazy that if you are a woman of colour and identify as LGBT or are disabled that you would need to attend 4 different events and ultimately sacrifice 4 weekends as the grassroots activities generally exist out of hours.
Our follow up event was designed to build on the connections and collaborations from year 1, to nurture the new voices, welcome new people and support the new kid on the block #MenEd.
Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed and supported from afar.
I will share the blogs that our facilitators and key note speakers publish to capture their sessions.
Instead I would like to draw together some suggestions on how events can be more diverse and inclusive.
Here are 12 accessibility and inclusion tips for event organisers:
- Is the line up reflecting the diversity of the delegates?
- If the line up is diverse, who is speaking on the main stage versus who is faciliating workshops?
- Are there signposted disable parking bays?
- Is there a creche for parents?
- Is there a room for nursing mums?
- Is there a lift or have you considered moving sessions downstairs?
- Have you provided lift passes/ keys/ a site staff member to support?
- Have you held seats at the front for delegates who are less mobile or who need to lip read?
- Is there someone who can sign the keynotes?
- Is there a prayer room?
- Is your lunch halal/ vegetarian/ vegan/ gluten free?
- Are you live broadcasting/ periscoping sessions for those who cannot physically attend?
What have I missed? Please do comment below and I can add them to the list as a checklist for event organiser who are conscious they want to get this right.
Did you know that #BAMEed have a directory of expert speakers from diverse backgrounds? Check it out here.
You can book to join us in January 2020 (1) at Diverse Educators III here.
Hannah, The Hopeful Headteacher
Currently feeling hopeful about:
- Together we are stronger and can affect real change in the system, in our schools and ultimately in society
Currently reading and thinking about:
- I am hoping that our key notes Angie Browne and Iesha Small may blog their key notes…
- I am also looking forward to the publication of Iesha’s book: The Unexpected Leader
Currently feeling grateful for:
- Having a team who are as passionate about diversity, equality, inclusion and social equity as I am
The Hopeful Headteacher 
Hi Hannah, thinking about someone with sensory needs and or hidden disabilities. Sometimes spaces can be a bit overwhelming and sometimes too stimulating. A quiet zone or designated room would be ideal for people to just have space to be on their own and have time to reflect and recharge.
Claudia.
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