Making UUMA Events Accessible

UUMA Wide Events

The UUMA holds accessibility as one of our core values and we are grateful to all the members who are committed to making UUMA events possible for all. Whether contributing time or money (click here to contribute to the scholarship fund), we rely on your participation to create a welcoming event.

Scholarships: Thanks to the generosity of our members, the UUMA is able to provide scholarships to defray the cost of participation in continental UUMA events. If a little extra support would make the difference in your participation, please apply for a scholarship (click here).

Accessibility: Here are some of the things we are planning to help events be accessible to all: scooter cut-outs in both theater and banquet seating, video projection screen with closed captioning, designated accessibility seating at front of hall, hearing assistance devices, large-print and electronic versions of printed materials, alternate spaces for attendees to rest, separate small-group meeting spaces for individuals sensitive to background noise, gender neutral bathrooms, and gender pronouns on nametags.

In addition, all presenters will use microphones, food buffets will be labeled (menus available before event), volunteers will be available to help with meals and event navigation, and we have created the position of hospitality coordinator to receive and address issues as they arise. If there are additional accommodations we can make, please let Janette know.

Please be aware that all UUMA events are peanut-free and low-fragrance (please refrain from bringing peanuts, perfumes or other scented cleaning, hygiene, or cosmetic products to the event).

In continuing to be a learning community, we have engaged folks about preferred accessibility standards and will continue to grow into our community needs and best practices. For this event we will not be providing visual descriptions and appreciate the chance to reflect as we plan future events.

Off-Site Participation: Most of our events are live-streamed with opportunities to participate remotely. 

Virtual Events: Closed captioning is provided for all events, live-streamed or pre-recorded. We also take into consideration body breaks when planning the schedule.

Chapter/Cluster and Other Regional UUMA Events
Leaders and Organizers: please consider these points when planning UUMA events
  • Mobility Devices: Is the location accessible for people using scooters, wheelchairs and other mobility assistance devices? Is there space reserved at the front for accessible seating? This may include scooter cut-outs where there is theater and banquet seating, ramps that are conveniently located, and automated doors.
  • Dual-Platform Events: Is there a video screen available for on-site participants? Is closed captioning available for off-site participants? If using Zoom, is someone monitoring the Chat screen and ensuring that people off-site are able to engage in the program?
  • Audio and Visual Considerations: Is there a microphone available, and is it accessible so that all participants can use the microphone? Are large-print copies of program materials available? Are hearing assistance devices available? When having breakout group conversations, can enough space be created to spread out to minimize background sounds?
  • Allergens: Encourage participants to avoid wearing scented products. Consider having a peanut-free space, and ask that participants not bring peanuts to the event. If you know of other allergens that need to be avoided, be sure to include these in the event information.
  • Gender Friendly Considerations: If the event location does not have gender neutral bathrooms, can you arrange to designate one or more bathrooms as gender neutral? Can your name tags include an option to include pronouns?
  • Family Friendly Considerations: Is it feasible to offer a program for children who may need to accompany their parent(s) to the event? Are there sufficient breaks in the schedule for parents to check-in with children?
  • Financial Accessibility: Is there a way to offset the costs for participants who may not have the resources to afford the event? Is it possible to offer a sliding-scale registration fee? Does your organization maintain a scholarship fund for students, elders, and under-employed colleagues?