Increasing Event Schema Accessibility Proposal

Hello,

I hope you are well.

*What?*
I am contacting you as I am currently working on a research project, Via
<https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.via.scot%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cd10cc4d69dde4eb02c6708dac0c692b5%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638034256339126564%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wB6cwKRF5obnH3BRz8wlDGqBZDmMX94j7K4Oe37%2B228%3D&reserved=0>
(Visible
inclusive accessibility) that is working to increase the accessibility and
availability of information for those with access needs.

(This can include people with disabilities, -visible and non, mobility
issues, other long term health conditions,impairments, mental health issues,may
be neurodivergent, speak another language, have a young child etc. - this
list is not exhaustive but indicates the remit for access needs being for
everyone).

As such, I was wondering if it might be possible to adapt or create event
properties to include some access needs information allowing people with
access needs to equally find the accessibility information they need more
easily.


*Why?*
Did you know that that when planning a trip, 81% of respondents said they’d
check the company’s website or search the internet, yet73% of audience
members reported having found information to be misleading, confusing or
inaccurate?

Often this means potential audiences will be lost and those already
experiencing barriers are further disadvantaged and burdened with trying to
find what they require to attend an event which is listed.

I myself am autistic and have mobility access requirements and have spent
time working with individuals, groups and advocacy organisations who were
all experiencing similar issues and frustrations with finding the
information required to be able to make informed decisions about visiting
venues/events.

I'm looking to fix that with my project Via, and as such, I'd like to
propose working together to increase the accessibility information
captured/recorded by Event schema.


*How?*
I was wondering if it might be possible to adapt or create event properties
to include some access needs information allowing people with access needs
to equally find the accessibility information they need more easily. And
event organisers to harness this information more easily on their websites.

For example some potential suggested properties could include;

Physical venue access -accessible parking, wheelchairaccessibility, stairs
- uneven terrain (for those with fatigue/mobility issues),
Physical venue description - (this could be included in location
information but perhaps a prompt in the description for an
adaptation/inclusion of the temperature of the space, if it has the
potential to be claustrophobic or confined (for those with claustrophobia
or experiences of trauma etc)
Guide dog friendly
Venue requirements - for instance at some music gigs and art exhibitions
attendees are asked to carry their bags or have them searched - for many
knowing this in advance can be extremely helpful not just for their
physical ability to carry their belongings but also for their sense of
wellbeing etc.
Accessible toilets
BSL, CC or AD (could also be included into the language/translator
category, however even potentially mentioning these as options included
within the description prompts could help increase the accessibility of
event organisers by reminding them/prompting them to consider listing this
information etc )


Again this is only a small list to highlight the potential for possible
adaptations/inclusions. I would be delighted to hear back from you if you
would want to discuss and develop these further, or to further discuss the
potential benefits, adaptations or inclusions these could have.


Equally, by trying to address and draw attention to these accessibility
features as options on the schema may help to begin a cultural shift in the
way access needs are thought of and help to encourage and prompt organisers
or developers (as often most events do meet access needs but fail to
accurately list/promote them) to begin to think of these as 'standard'
requirements when listing or planning future events which can help to then
increase accessibility as a 'built in not an add on'.


I’m still in the process of collecting research data from event organisers
and people with lived experiences. I ultimately aim to enable further
adaptations to a standard like the eventsschema to improve listings on all
websites offering events information by including access needs information
and making it easier for that information to be shared and aggregated
across sites and services.


*Thank You*
I’d appreciate any opportunity to discuss the feasibility of extending or
adapting the events schema you currently manage or any suggestions that you
may have to do something similar that would help provide this sort of
information in a more portable and friendly format.

Apologies in advance if this email appears naïve. I have some web
development design experience, but this is the first time I have looked into
schema in depth.

Many thanks for your time,

Kind regards,
Stephanie Wilson
Email: via.scot.info@gmail.com