Plan your Total Solar Eclipse through a lens of inclusion!

Strategic, intentional, and early planning helps you ensure ALL potential participants, including people with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and people of all ages, body types, and health conditions, are able to fully engage!

 

These tips were curated by Rochester Accessible Adventures. Since 2015, Rochester Accessible Adventures, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has been providing mentored inclusion training to businesses & organizations in the health & wellness industries, including recreation, sports and tourism.

Inclusive Eclipse Planning Principles

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Parking:

  • Ensure clear signage directs guests to accessible parking
  • Assign an attendant to create new accessible spaces and direct cars as guests arrive
  • Strategize pedestrian traffic patterns so seated guests remain visible while navigating

Wayfinding:

  • Provide clear signage throughout event space directing guests to important features
  • Does your signage include multiple types of communication?
  • Train staff/vols to use a variety of communication options (ASL, phone app, pen/paper)

Path of Travel:

  • Ensure there is an unobstructed, firm/stable path of travel throughout the event
  • Purchase or rent MobiMats and similar brands of pathways NOW!
  • Provide ramps where there are stairs (stages, platforms, event areas). Reserve now!

Restrooms:

  • Have an ADA compliant restroom option. Call NOW to reserve your ADA porta john!
  • Situate your ADA portable restrooms on an even surface with a no-step entry
  • Designate gender neutral/family restrooms where caregivers can provide assistance
  • If your event has an adult changing station, make sure you advertise that!

Eclipse Viewing:

  • Include a variety of methods for experiencing the eclipse (audible, enclosed tents, etc)
  • Offer descriptive narration with PA system, closed captioning or ASL interpretation
  • Ensure all event promotions use inclusive language and are intentionally welcoming
  • Provide and advertise a sensory-friendly area where there is less congestion/activity

Eclipse Activity Resources

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Alternate Experiences Without Visually Viewing:

Eclipse Event Supplies:

Educational Materials:

Alternate Ways to View:

Viewing Safety: