Creating Accessible and Inclusive Events in Sri Lanka

Inclusive events aren't just the right thing to do—they expand your audience and create better experiences for everyone. This guide covers accessibility, cultural sensitivity, and inclusive design.

Why Accessibility and Inclusion Matter

Legal and Ethical Reasons

• Persons with Disabilities Act in Sri Lanka promotes equal access
• Human right to participate in community events
• Shows social responsibility

Business Benefits

• Expands potential audience by 15-20%
• Positive brand reputation
• Word-of-mouth from inclusive practices
• Government and corporate sponsors prefer inclusive events

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Physical Accessibility

Wheelchair Access

Venue Selection:
✅ Ground-level or elevator access
✅ Ramps (1:12 slope ratio maximum)
✅ Wide doorways (minimum 90cm)
✅ Accessible parking near entrance
❌ Avoid venues with only stairs

During Event:

• Reserved wheelchair seating areas (good sightlines)
• Pathways minimum 120cm wide
• No obstacles in walkways
• Tables at appropriate height (70-75cm)

Sri Lankan Context:

• Many older venues lack accessibility
• Always conduct site visit
• Hotels generally better than community halls
• New buildings (post-2000) usually compliant

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Restroom Facilities

Requirements:

• Minimum one accessible restroom per gender
• Grab bars installed
• Sufficient turning radius (150cm circle)
• Lower sinks and mirrors
• Emergency call buttons

Temporary Events:

• Request accessible portable toilets (available in Colombo)
• Cost: LKR 15,000-25,000 extra per unit
• Clearly marked with accessibility symbol

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Parking

Accessible Parking Needs:

• Designated spots near entrance
• Wider spaces (3.6m vs standard 2.4m)
• Level surface (no steep slopes)
• Clear signage
• Security present

Minimum Requirement: 5% of parking should be accessible

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Seating and Standing Areas

Seated Events:

• Wheelchair spaces integrated throughout (not just back)
• Companion seating adjacent
• Transfer seating option (aisle seats with removable armrests)

Standing Events:

• Designated accessible viewing area
• Raised platform if needed for visibility
• Seating option nearby

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Sensory Accessibility

Visual Impairments

Signage and Wayfinding:

• High contrast colors (black on yellow)
• Large fonts (minimum 24pt)
• Tactile elements where possible
• Clear, simple language

Communication:

• Audio announcements for all visual information
• Describe what's happening (emcee role)
• Guide dogs welcome (clearly stated)
• Staff trained to assist

Materials:

• Digital versions of programs (screen reader compatible)
• Large print programs available
• Braille programs (for high-profile events)

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Hearing Impairments

Sign Language Interpretation:

• Hire certified sign language interpreters
• Position interpreters near speaker/stage
• Good lighting on interpreter
• Cost: LKR 10,000-20,000 per interpreter for 3 hours

Assistive Technology:

• Hearing loop systems for larger venues
• Captioning for videos and presentations
• Visual alerts (flashing lights for emergencies)

Communication:

• Face speakers when talking
• Clear line of sight to stage
• Microphone use for all speakers (even Q&A)
• Written materials provided

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Sensory-Friendly Options

For Autism/Sensory Sensitivities:

• Quiet room or low-stimulation area
• Advanced warning of loud noises, flashing lights
• Sensory-friendly hours (lower volume, dimmer lights)
• Clear schedule and structure provided beforehand

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Dietary Accommodations

Sri Lankan Dietary Landscape

Common Requirements:

• Vegetarian (very common - 30-40% of population)
• Vegan (growing)
• Halal (Muslim community - ~9% of population)
• Kosher (small community but considerate)
• Non-pork (Muslim and some Hindu/Buddhist)
• Non-beef (Hindu community and some Buddhist)
• Gluten-free (growing awareness)
• Nut allergies
• Diabetic-friendly options

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Best Practices

Always Offer:

• Minimum 40% vegetarian options (SL context)
• Clear labeling of ALL food
• Separate serving utensils
• Ingredients list available

Labeling System:
Create signs for each dish:

• 🟢 Vegetarian
• 🟤 Vegan
• 🕌 Halal
• 🐄❌ No beef
• 🐷❌ No pork
• 🌾❌ Gluten-free
• 🥜❌ Nut-free
• 🌶️ Spicy / 🌶️❌ Mild

Collect Dietary Info:

• Ask during registration
• Follow up before event
• Have emergency contacts for severe allergies

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Catering Communication

Tell Your Caterer:

• Exact numbers per dietary requirement
• Severity of allergies (life-threatening vs preference)
• Cultural/religious importance
• Request tasting/approval

Red Flags:

• Caterer dismissive of requirements
• Can't guarantee separation
• Doesn't understand Halal/Kosher
• One "vegetarian" option for 100 people

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Cultural Sensitivity

Religious Considerations

Buddhist Majority:

• Poya days (full moon) - alcohol restricted
• Respectful attire at religious venues
• Remove shoes at temples
• Avoid scheduling during important festivals (Vesak, Poson)

Hindu Community:

• Respect for religious festivals (Deepavali, Thai Pongal)
• No beef dishes
• Prayer/meditation spaces appreciated

Muslim Community:

• Halal food essential
• Prayer times considered (5 times daily)
• Modesty in dress codes
• No alcohol in some community events
• Respect for Ramadan fasting

Christian Community:

• Christmas and Easter seasons
• Sunday morning events may conflict with church

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Multi-Cultural Events

Best Practices:
✅ Acknowledge all major religious holidays in planning
✅ Offer diverse food options
✅ Respect cultural dress codes
✅ Multi-lingual signage (Sinhala, Tamil, English)
✅ Inclusive entertainment representing communities

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Language Accessibility

Sri Lankan Context:

• Sinhala: ~75% of population
• Tamil: ~15% of population
• English: 10-20% fluent, more understand basic

Inclusive Approach:

• Trilingual key signage
• Translators for major announcements
• Programs in multiple languages
• Staff who speak multiple languages

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Family-Friendly Considerations

Childcare and Facilities

Nursing Mothers:

• Designated nursing/pumping room
• Comfortable seating
• Privacy
• Refrigeration for milk storage
• Clearly signaged

Diaper Changing:

• Changing tables in BOTH men's and women's restrooms
• Supplies available (emergency diapers, wipes)
• Disposal bins

Children's Activities:

• Kids' zone with supervision
• Age-appropriate entertainment
• Coloring/activity books
• Safe, contained space

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Safety and Security

Child Safety:

• Wristbands with parent contact info
• Lost child protocol
• Staff trained in child safety
• Designated meeting point

Family Amenities:

• High chairs available
• Kid-friendly food options
• Family restrooms
• Shaded areas (outdoor events)

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Senior Citizen Accessibility

Physical Needs:

• Ample seating throughout venue
• Rest areas
• Accessible transport info
• Early entry option (avoid crowds)

Communication:

• Larger fonts on all materials
• Clear, loud audio
• Patient, helpful staff

Discounts:

• Senior citizen ticket pricing (20-30% off)
• Shows respect and increases attendance

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Gender Inclusivity

Restrooms

Best Practice:

• Gender-neutral/family restrooms available
• Clearly marked options
• Safety and privacy for all

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Inclusive Language

Marketing Materials:

• Avoid assumptions about gender
• Use "partner" instead of "husband/wife" unless specific
• "All are welcome" statements

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Economic Accessibility

Tiered Pricing

Make Events Accessible:

• Student discounts (20-30% off)
• Senior discounts
• Group discounts (family packages)
• Early bird pricing
• Payment plans for expensive events

Free Options:

• Volunteer tickets (work for entry)
• Student/community giveaways
• Scholarship tickets

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Payment Options

Diverse Payment Methods:

• Cash (still king for many in Sri Lanka)
• Card payment
• Mobile payment (eZ Cash, mCash)
• Bank transfer
• Payment at physical outlets

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Communicating Your Inclusive Efforts

Marketing Messages

Event Listings:
"♿ Wheelchair accessible
🤟 Sign language interpretation available
🍽️ Vegetarian, vegan, Halal options
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly
🌍 All welcome"

Detailed Accessibility Info:
Create dedicated accessibility page:

• Physical access details
• Sensory accommodations
• Dietary options
• Contact for special needs

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Staff Training

Train All Staff On:

• Respectful language ("person with disability" not "disabled person")
• How to ask "How can I assist you?"
• Not making assumptions
• Cultural sensitivity
• Emergency protocols for various needs

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Accessibility Checklist

Physical Access:
✅ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
✅ Accessible restrooms
✅ Accessible parking
✅ Wide pathways
✅ Ramps where needed
✅ Elevator access (multi-story)

Sensory Access:
✅ Sign language interpreter (if budget allows)
✅ Visual and audio announcements
✅ Quiet room available
✅ Good lighting throughout
✅ Clear signage

Dietary:
✅ Vegetarian options (40%+)
✅ Halal options
✅ Vegan options
✅ Allergy information
✅ Clear labeling

Cultural:
✅ Multi-lingual materials
✅ Respectful scheduling (avoid major religious holidays)
✅ Diverse entertainment
✅ Inclusive marketing

Family:
✅ Nursing room
✅ Diaper changing (both restrooms)
✅ Kids' activities
✅ Family seating areas
✅ Kid-friendly food

General:
✅ Staff trained in inclusive practices
✅ Accessibility info on website/marketing
✅ Contact for special accommodation requests
✅ Feedback mechanism
✅ Continual improvement plan

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Cost of Inclusive Features

Budget Additions:

• Sign language interpreter: LKR 10,000-20,000
• Accessible portable toilet: LKR 15,000-25,000
• Ramps (temporary): LKR 20,000-50,000
• Multi-lingual materials: LKR 10,000-30,000
• Nursing room setup: LKR 5,000-15,000
• Kids' zone setup: LKR 20,000-80,000

Total Additional Cost: 3-7% of event budget typically

ROI: Audience expansion + positive reputation

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Resources in Sri Lanka

Organizations:

• Sri Lanka Council for the Blind
• National Council for Persons with Disabilities
• Autism Sri Lanka
• Various community organizations

Accessibility Consultants:

• Hire consultant to review venue and plans
• Cost: LKR 25,000-75,000
• Ensures you haven't missed anything

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Gathering Feedback

Post-Event Survey:
Include accessibility questions:

• "Was the venue accessible to you?"
• "Were dietary needs met?"
• "Did you feel welcome and included?"
• "What can we improve?"

Continuous Improvement:

• Review feedback seriously
• Implement changes for next event
• Show community you listen

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Conclusion: Inclusion Benefits Everyone

Accessible events:
✅ Better experiences for all (not just those with specific needs)
✅ Wider audience reach
✅ Positive brand reputation
✅ Social responsibility
✅ Better designed (inclusion forces better planning)

Inclusion Checklist Summary:
✅ Physical accessibility (wheelchair, parking, restrooms)
✅ Sensory accommodations (visual, hearing, sensory-friendly)
✅ Dietary options (vegetarian, Halal, allergies, etc.)
✅ Cultural sensitivity (language, religious, traditions)
✅ Family-friendly (nursing, childcare, safety)
✅ Economic accessibility (tiered pricing, payment options)
✅ Staff training and clear communication
✅ Feedback and continuous improvement

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