Venue accessibility

This page provides information about accessibility requirements for venues.

Choosing a venue

Make sure the venue is accessible for people with different disabilities.
Engaging with people with specific disabilities
Visit the venue to check it meets participants’ needs. If you’re unsure, ask the people attending about their accessibility needs.
Accessible venues often display the International Symbol of Access (a wheelchair symbol). This means the venue meets accessibility standards and can be used by disabled people, including wheelchair users.
International Symbol of Access external URL

Think about transport to and from the venue. It should be accessible by public transport and have sufficient mobility parking.
Provide clear directions and transport details. If several people need it, consider arranging accessible transport.

Check whether the venue, toilets, and dining areas are wheelchair accessible. Toilets are not accessible if they are up or down a flight of stairs.
Check the venue has sufficient space for people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters to enter, exit, and circulate easily. Hallways should be able to accommodate 2 people using wheelchairs side by side.
Door widths should be 850mm to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Doors should:
- be easy to open
- be light (preferably sliding)
- have low door handles.
If doors are difficult to open, consider having someone to help open them.
Stairs should have handrails.

The venue should include a lawn area for disability assist dogs, or one should be available close enough that the handler can safely toilet their dogs.
The venue should have high-contrast signage on entries, exits, and toilet facilities for people with vision impairments. The signs should include pictures, as well as text, for people who find reading difficult.
Ensure the venue has bright, even lighting for people with low vision.
Reduce background noise at the venue for people with hearing impairments or auditory processing disorder. Check the air conditioning is not loud.
Check whether the venue has a hearing loop. If not, consider hiring one. Test it before the event to ensure it is functioning.
Have a quiet space at the venue people can go to if they need a break, including from sensory overstimulation.

Plan and communicate emergency evacuation procedures.
Ask people if they require assistance in an emergency. Make sure you have a plan to provide assistance to everyone who indicates they need it.

Check that the room setup has good lighting and clear sightlines. Make sure lighting works for people with vision impairments and for NZSL users.

If you are planning a standing-only event, provide some seating for people who need it.
Arrange seating so everyone can participate comfortably.
- Leave enough space for wheelchair users, people with mobility aids, and disability assist dogs.
- Keep pathways wide and clear.
- Position seating for Deaf participants so they have a clear view of NZSL interpreters.
- Include a mix of seating options (for example, chairs with and without arms) for different needs.

Some disabled people use devices like laptops or tablets to communicate. They will need a multi-plug power outlet and Wi-Fi access. Make sure these are available and provide information ahead of time.

Provide participants with the name and contact details of someone who will be able to answer questions or address issues on the day.

Some people may not be able to attend in person, even if the venue is accessible. Offer an online option so people can join remotely.
Online participation may not work well for:
- people with learning or intellectual disabilities
- Deaf people
- people who use hearing loops.
If Deaf people need to join online on the day, make sure NZSL interpreters are visible both online and in person.
Engaging with people who are Deaf or have hearing loss.

Provide a quiet breakout space for people who need a break from noise and crowds. Make sure it’s easy to find and comfortable.