Before: Accessibility

Accessibility for participants should be built into the setup of the space, not added later. Barriers to participation are often invisible and can be physical, digital, linguistic, informational, or attitudinal. Organisers should plan for accessibility across both digital and physical contexts, including the design of online platforms and the practical arrangements of in-person activities.

Accessibility for online platforms is not just a technical issue for developers. Non-technical administrators and organisers play a key role in making digital participation possible, safe, and inclusive. Many accessibility barriers start from how information is written, organised, and shared. Many others depend on the design of participatory spaces and the often taken-for-granted conditions for most people that end up (re)producing inaccessibility. Likewise, accessibility relies on practical solutions that organisers and participants can make together throughout.  

Here are practical things you can do without any technical skills:

Use clear structure and meaningful headings

When creating pages, proposals, or meeting descriptions, avoid long blocks of text. Break content into short sections with clear headings that describe what the section is about. This helps people using screen readers, translation tools, or with cognitive or attention-related needs to navigate information more easily. For example: Use headings such as Why this space exists, What you can influence, How to participate, and What happens next.

Make text easy to read and visually clear

Choose text and background colours that have a strong contrast. Avoid light text on light backgrounds, and do not rely on colour alone to communicate meaning (for example, “the green option” or “the red comments”). Good contrast helps people with visual impairments, colour blindness, or those using mobile phones or older screens. For example: If something is important, use bold text or clear labels, not just colour.

Write in plain and inclusive language

Accessibility is also about language. Use simple sentences, explain acronyms, and avoid institutional or technical jargon where possible. Consider inviting specialist support especially when working with people with cognitive disabilities.Clear language supports participants with different literacy levels, language backgrounds, or lower digital confidence. 

Offer information in more than one way

Not everyone can or wants to engage only through a digital platform. Accessibility also means providing alternatives when needed: sharing summaries by email, allowing voice notes or offline input, offering extra time to participate, or translating key information. These low-tech solutions are especially important for people facing barriers related to disability, language, time, care responsibilities, or digital access.

Check the experience from a participant’s point of view

Try accessing the online space as a regular participant. Can you easily find information? Is it clear how to take part? Do you understand what will happen with people’s contributions? This kind of check often reveals accessibility issues that are not obvious from an organiser’s view. Additionally, you can ask participants (or experienced practitioners like social workers and educators) about access needs in advance