WELCOME and HOUSEKEEPING

• Rename yourself with your local group or connection to XR (and preferred pronoun if you wish). Use chat to check in to say hi and how you’re feeling if you want to.
• Please don’t use the chat for general conversation using ‘Everyone’, if can be distracting when screen sharing slides - you can still direct message people.
• Please put your email address in the chat or direct message to Sian so we can send a follow up email with resources

Access

• If you have any access requirements e.g. you might need additional comfort breaks, private message one of the trainers in chat
• Please keep your mics switched off until you need to speak. If you’re not muted whilst someone else is speaking, it can cause the speaker’s voice to break up.
• If you don’t have a mic you can use the chat box to communicate.
• If you don’t have a camera and you need to ask a question, you can use the Reactions button at the bottom of your screen.

Closed captioning - if anyone needs this running please message in chat

• Depending on your Zoom version show/hide closed caption will be under the button ‘live transcript’ or ‘Closed Captions’ or under the three dots ‘More’.
• If you’re on a phone you may not have that option.

Safe space

• In XR, for everyone’s comfort, we ask that you please do not consume any alcohol or drugs while you are here.
• If you want to eat, please switch off your camera.
• If anyone prefers not to see people smoking or vaping, please private message in chat and we’ll ask that this is also done off-camera.

Welcome

This training is designed to give you time to look at your own practice around disabled, neurodiverse and D/deaf inclusion.

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[If no presenter, click through the content at your own pace.]

� When we/you get to a yellow slide this is a prompt to stop, discuss what you are already doing and check if you could do things differently.

Access and inclusion needs to be embedded into all planning.

We are all crew!

Disability Access & Inclusion

Here's Denise from XR Newport talking about how ADHD affects her ability to sort travel arrangements.

Please embed accessibility and inclusivity in all your planning from the start

This means less work later!

Some infrastructure or practices can always be in place.�But having everything in place for every person simply would not be feasible.

Quote from a disabled rebel:�“Making actions accessible is the simple act of asking, What do you need?”

When we cover as many needs as possible, this makes our event better for everyone.

This applies to anything we do in XR, including actions.

Where and When

Our aim is inclusive planning for everything we do:

• in person
• on-line
• at an event
• at an action
• on a march
• at accommodation - indoor and outdoor

Now we’re going to look at some of the different aspects of what we do in XR.

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There’ll be break out rooms for discussions at different points.

Regenerative Cultures - Breaks​

Event planning should factor in breaks

• Make these at least every hour, or ideally shorter breaks more often
• Suggest a break length and check if anyone needs longer
• Consider ‘wriggle’ breaks

Rest periods are essential for many of us when a lot is happening

This is especially so for neurodiverse people

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Plan in quiet time during events, including breaks in:

• music
• chanting
• speakers 
• singing

Check-ins�Hand Signals

Ask people how the meeting/event can be made more accessible for them.

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Check-ins should not be obligatory.

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People should be reassured that they need only say what is required for the purpose of the meeting/event.��Consider the extent of hand signals use

Offer different ways of contributing

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• Small groups or pairs
• Online: write in chat
• On-site: on paper, hand to a buddy to read
• On site - Whatsapp/Signal chat
• Draw and show
• Maybe have specific times when you invite people to write in the chat or contribute in an alternative way

Communication - Ways of Contributing

Pause: Consider & Discuss

You may want to reflect on your own experience and discuss one or more of the following:

• Think about the range of events you are involved with planning.
• Is there more you can do to pace and make things more regenerative?
• Discuss check-in culture.
• Review how you can enable more people to contribute to events.

[9 mins]

Use sans serif fonts such as Ariel. No italics or underlined words. Only headers in capitals. Separate print from busy pictures or patterns.

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Find the guide on the Rebel Toolkit here:�https://rebeltoolkit.extinctionrebellion.uk/books/do-or-die---workshop-recipe/page/dyslexia-and-colour-blindness-friendly-style-guide

Communication - Written and Signage​

Communication - Written and Signage

Inaccessible poster: Text and images are overlaid, colour contrast is poor, italics are used.

Accessible flyer: Text is easy to read, colour contrast is good, images are distinct.

When possible:

• Speak clearly at a good volume and steady pace
• Do not shout, mumble, or speak very fast
• Face the people you are talking to; do not cover your mouth

Communication - Verbal

Hand Signals:

• From a stage, ensure hand signals are always voiced.
• If someone participating is blind or visually impaired, hand signals with speaking should be combined. A tactile signal can also be used by a buddy.

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Mic Checks:

• The importance of passing the message to the furthest part of a crowd must not be underestimated.
• Mic checks are especially important for people who do not hear well.
• Sign language users will need an interpreter with them.

In 2019 the mic check was used so effectively.

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These days, there is less respect and rigour in how it is used, as if the novelty has worn off.

Quote from a rebel with hearing difficulty

Communication - Verbal / Visual

Communication - Verbal / Visual

• A single speaker should not talk for more than 20 minutes without a break, preferably less.
• Alternate speakers to hold attention
• Regularly check if clarification is needed.
• Summarise complex ideas.

Automated Closed Captions [CC]

• These vary in quality and are most successful for people with residual hearing to use in combination with captions and lip reading
• Transcripts can be saved

​YouTube CC setting must be activated when streaming

Turn on CC for Facebook Live broadcasts and Live Streaming

Enable CC prior to event in Zoom account settings 

[NB ensure Enhanced Encryption is selected, NOT End-to-End Encryption]

Communication - Speech to Text Transcription​

Communication -  Speech to Text Interpreters

While expensive, this service may be provided occasionally, such as for ​large indoor meetings or for an individual attending an essential meeting.​

For speech-to-text interpreters, check: avsttr.org.uk 

Communication - British Sign Language [BSL]

• Not all deaf people can access subtitles​
• At public-facing events, it is good practice to have interpreters​
• At other events, a participant may request an interpreter

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Interpreters need to be booked well in advance of an event.

For advice on finding and using interpreters:

Email an XR BSL Coordinator at xr.bsl@protonmail.com

Pause: Consider & Discuss

You may want to reflect on your own experience and discuss one or more of the following:

• Accessibility of documents, flyers and posters is still a big issue in XR.
• How can you make printed materials accessible whilst retaining creativity?
• Think about communication within your events.
• Are people likely to be able to stay engaged?
• Do you always enable speech-to-text transcription?
• Have you had or are you planning events where a speech-to-text or BSL interpreter may be required?
• Are you confident in how to source interpreters?

[9 mins]

Welcome Back!

Getting to the Space - Online

Tech support is available.

• Contact your Anchor Circle
• Go to the Tech Reception channel in the UK Team on Mattermost
• Email: tech@rebellion.earth

Connectivity is important for all of us, but disabled rebels often do more online than others. 

Getting to the Space - Public Transport

Check on the accessibility of public transport by searching online.�Here is a link for London: https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/�Most places have a similar site

Incorporate information into the action / event plan and share in advance.

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Checkout nearest disabled parking spots in terms of:

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• Number of parking spaces and space around them
• Proximity to the event
• Lighting
• Is there a height restriction at the entry to the parking space. If so, how high is it?
• Physical barriers between parking and the event space

Getting to the Space - Parking

Getting to the Space - Buddying

Route and/or environment might be difficult, due to:

• Overwhelm
• Lack of confidence
• Anxiety
• Sight
• Hearing
• Mobility
• Lack of experience

Providing buddies can help here.

To be inclusive, as far as possible:

• Show face when speaking
• Mute when not speaking
• No background noise
• Closed Captions on
• Good microphone
• Good camera
• Good lighting
• Good WIFI

At the Space - Online​

This is especially important for mobility and vision.

Non-slip surface �On grass, a wheelchair trackway may be required

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Barrier-free routes

This includes no low-level obstacles - e.g. bags, kit, shoes, drums, clothes etc.

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No steps�Or problem solve - e.g. provide a kerb lift / ramp

At the Space - Physical

Look at and arrange spaces in advance to ensure:

• Clear lines of vision
• Clear routes and exits
• Wheelchair and mobility aid space is adequate
• Clearly defined areas for:
• XR Rhythms instruments 
• Removed shoes
• Pushchairs, etc.

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Ensure support is available, e.g.:

• Stewards
• Action Wellbeing
• Inclusion volunteers
• Tech

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Consistently assess and optimise spaces for maximum access for a variety of people during an event.

At the Space - Layout

Consider people:

• With visual impairment needing well lit spaces.
• With hearing loss needing to lip read or see an interpreter.
• Those who need to see things well in order to function and understand.

At the Space - Good Lighting

Support volunteers - if possible, bring coins in case toilets need paying for.

• Proximity to the action?
• Full accessibility?
• Not fully accessible but level access. How wide are doors and is there turning space?
• Free, or cost?
• Radar key needed?

During the recce note toilet access:�

At the Space - Accessible Toilets

At the Space - Power

For:

• Power chairs
• Scooters
• Other disability aids

Power supply is needed for longer events and marches

Provide or find sources and signpost them!

Pause: Consider & Discuss

You may want to reflect on your own experience and discuss one or more of the following:

• Think about the events you have in virtual and physical spaces.
• What can you do to ensure access for all? Is there anything you can do to improve people being able to get to your physical or virtual events?

[7 mins]

Buddies on the ground are important for those arriving alone and in need of support.

• Plan capacity for offers to accompany folk to a space​
• Buddies should be prepared for being delayed in getting to other places
• Good practice is to have welcomers for everyone at key locations such as: 
• nearby stations​
• key landmarks​
• agreed locations​ 

At the Space - Welcome & Support

At the space - Or not at the space!

• Neurodivergent people
• People with social anxiety
• Menopausal women
• People with health issues
• Those who suffer with fatigue

At larger events map ‘Havens’ around the space.

Especially:

These are needed by many people.

Quote from an autistic rebel

At the Space - Quiet Havens

Please apply guidance covered so far to accommodation.�Identify accessible in or outdoor accommodation spaces whenever possible.�

Additional Considerations: 

• If mobility aid users can sleep in vehicles on site
• Accessible parking near accommodation
• Whether wheelchair rubber trackway is needed
• Whether ramps are needed
• Flat access

Check the Rebel Toolkit for booking accommodation for UK events.

ACCOMMODATION

MARCHES

Marches

• Offer lifts, e.g. in 2022 the transport rickshaw was much appreciated. Offering wheelchairs rides is another option, or arranging a car to follow the march​

Please apply the guidance covered so far to moving events.​

• An advance recce is vital to ensure good physical access; e.g. locate toilets, dropped kerbs, charging points

• Share information about the route, including length, terrain and public transport options

• Throughout the march, good communication is essential between key point people, e.g. action planner, lead steward and access coordinator/point person

Marches - continued

• Set the pace to the slowest participants.
• You may wish to invite slower walkers to the front
• Stewards can communicate about the pace.
• Please do not dictate where in the march disabled people should be, e.g. do not ask all wheelchair users to be together in a particular place, they don’t necessarily know each other!​
• Leaders of XR Rhythms walking backwards can have minders to reduce risks.
• Marches can have breaks. If well managed people will remain motivated.

Pause: Consider & Discuss

You may want to reflect on your own experience and discuss one or more of the following:

• Think about how you can welcome and buddy people.
• Discuss ways of including quiet times and havens.
• Are there times when you provide or arrange accommodation? If so, discuss.
• If you organise or participate in marches, what can you do to improve access?

[7 mins]

In publicity and calls to action please include:

• Information about access e.g. wheelchair accessible, sign language interpreters, closed captions, quiet spaces.
• Contact details for rebels to get in touch to discuss their personal access needs, e.g. an email and / or phone number.
• If you do not want your details public-facing, use: xr.inclusion@protonmail.com  /  07773 193 704

Going back to the Quote from a disabled rebel:�“Making actions accessible is the simple act of asking, What do you need?”

Have a point person/access coordinator involved in the planning and as part of the on-the-ground team.

Any needs arising can then be responded to.

Access and inclusion needs to be embedded into all planning.

We are all crew!

End of Slides!�Thank you for doing this training�

Was it useful?

For support with improving access, please contact:

xr.inclusion@protonmail.com

07773 193704