To ensure that events are welcoming and accommodating for all attendees, including those with neurodiverse traits, a range of tools can be employed. These tools enhance communication, sensory experiences, and accessibility, fostering an environment where every participant can comfortably engage and contribute their insights. Here are some key tools that drive inclusive event planning:
1. Visual Schedules: offer effective support to individuals with autism in comprehending and structuring their daily activities. They commonly feature a series of images or symbols representing the tasks and events planned for the day to help individuals anticipate their activities. Example: Picturepath’s visual schedules .
2. Communication Apps: supporting alternative communication methods for those with speech difficulties. Example: Proloquo2Go by AssistiveWare .
3. Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Devices that minimize auditory stimuli and sensory overload. Example: Bose offers noise-cancelling headphones .
4. Sensory Kits: providing sensory-friendly items like fidget toys in kits for comfort. For example, Connecticut Museum of Culture and History provide sensory backpacks containing industry-approved tools that will help families navigate their museum.
5. Digital Accessibility Tools: offering captioning services and other digital accessibility tools. For example, Rev offers accurate captions to make videos more accessible, indexable to search engines, and more engaging to a much larger audience.
6. Quiet Zones: offering a tranquil refuge, providing attendees a peaceful environment away from the event’s sensory stimuli. For example, EventWell provides these types of quiet rooms, wellbeing hubs and support areas at events.
7. Interactive Maps: Maps that assist with navigation within event spaces, aiding those with spatial challenges. For example, Esri ArcGIS Indoors is an indoor mapping solution that can assist with navigation within event spaces.
8. Collaboration Platforms: Online tools that foster and facilitate collaboration among all parties involved. Microsoft Teams is a widely used platform that facilitates collaboration. Meanwhile, Prismm’s OPS collaborative platform offers significant advantages in promoting neurodiversity inclusion within event planning. It creates an inclusive and dynamic virtual space where event organizers, venues, caterers, vendors, hosts, and neurodiverse individuals can collaborate effortlessly and remotely.
9. Virtual Reality Platforms: that allow customization of virtual event experiences and sensory settings. For example, Prismm VISION can craft easily adaptable, sensory-friendly layouts, interactive seating arrangements, and accessible event spaces at the click of a button. Moreover, it harnesses virtual venue technology to remotely transport neurodiverse individuals into the event environment before the actual event, granting them the ability to understand and potentially reconfigure their space to better suit their needs. This innovative approach contributes to creating more inclusive and accommodating environments for all attendees.
10. AR Wayfinding Apps: Augmented reality apps that simplify navigation, for example WayfindingPro specializes in augmented reality wayfinding solutions for easier navigation.