Come as you are.
At VRPS, we believe that our community is at its best when every person feels they truly belong. When we say come as you are, we mean that you should be able to show up as your full, authentic self without any barriers in your way. We are dedicated to accessibility, inclusion, and belonging, and we believe that these values must be lived through our actions. To ensure that our events are welcoming for everyone, we have established the following inclusion standards to guide our planning and our hospitality.
At VRPS, we believe that our community is at its best when every person feels they truly belong. When we say come as you are, we mean that you should be able to show up as your full, authentic self without any barriers in your way. We are dedicated to accessibility, inclusion, and belonging, and we believe that these values must be lived through our actions. To ensure that our events are welcoming for everyone, we have established the following inclusion standards to guide our planning and our hospitality.
Physical Accessibility
- Ensure the venue offers wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, restrooms, and stages
- Ensure the venue offers ramps and handrails where necessary
- Ensure the venue offers accessible transportation drop-off zones and parking
- Ensure the venue offers clearly marked ADA parking spaces
- Ensure the venue offers wide aisles and pathways throughout exhibit and seating areas
- Reserve front row or easily accessible seating for attendees with mobility needs
Sensory and Neurodivergent Friendly Accommodations
- Designate sensory friendly rooms or quiet decompression spaces where possible
- Allow attendees to opt out of physical networking activities
- Include session descriptions with sensory load warnings or trigger alerts when applicable
- Offer venue maps in advance for routine planning
Hearing Accessibility
- Provide ASL interpretation for keynotes and breakout sessions when requested
Visual Accessibility
- Ensure event materials are screen reader-accessible for programs, apps, and websites where possible
- Provide venue orientation or navigation assistance upon request
- Require a minimum font size and font type requirement on all presentations
Cognitive and Communication Accessibility
- Train staff and volunteers in inclusive communication techniques
- Allow alternative participation methods such as written questions instead of spoken ones
Dietary and Health Accommodations
- Provide refrigerated storage for medications or medically necessary food where possible
- Allow participants to indicate dietary needs during registration
Mental Health Support
- Offer wellness or mindfulness sessions as part of the event agenda for longer events
- Provide access to quiet reflection or decompression spaces
- Publish emergency resources like crisis lines and medical help in event materials
Inclusive Language and Identity Support
- Provide a lactation room with privacy when requested
- Designate a prayer or meditation room with scheduling or signage when requested
- Establish and enforce a code of conduct focused on respect and inclusion
