Fall for Inclusion: Designing Events Where Everyone Belongs
At The Ability Company, we believe inclusion isn’t just a value — it’s something you build. That’s why we created Ability Events, our inclusive event consulting service designed to help organizations create spaces where everyone feels welcome, respected, and considered.
Events are powerful. They bring people together to learn, celebrate, and connect. But too often, they unintentionally leave people out — especially those with disabilities or caregiving responsibilities.
What Happens Without Inclusive Thinking?
Imagine this: a community event is held in a beautiful venue — but the only accessible entrance is around the back, next to the dumpsters. Inside, the seating is fixed and cramped, making it hard for someone using a mobility aid to find a comfortable spot. There’s no quiet space for someone who gets overwhelmed, and the signage is full of jargon and small print. A caregiver arrives with the person they support, only to be told they need to buy two tickets — even though they’re not attending for themselves.
No one meant to exclude anyone. But without inclusive thinking, exclusion happens anyway.
What Ability Events Does Differently
Ability Events helps organizations design events that are accessible and inclusive from the ground up. We ask the questions that often get missed:
Is the space physically accessible — not just with ramps, but with seating, restrooms, and pathways that work for all bodies?
Are there sensory-friendly options for those who experience the world differently?
Can someone attend with a support person or mobility aid without feeling like a burden?
Are communication supports available — like plain language materials, visual aids, or translation services?
Are staff trained to respond with empathy, flexibility, and awareness?
We work with clients to think through every detail — from layout and signage to programming and staffing — to ensure that inclusion is not an afterthought, but a foundation.
Why It Matters?
Inclusion at events is about more than compliance. It’s about creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and valued. When someone walks into a room and knows they were considered — that their needs were thought about — it sends a powerful message: You belong here.
This October, as we celebrate Fall for Inclusion, we’re encouraging organizations to take a closer look at how they plan and host events. Whether it’s a conference, a workshop, a celebration, or a community gathering — every event is an opportunity to practice inclusion.
If you're planning an event and want to make it more inclusive, Ability Events is here to help. Whether you're just starting or already have something in motion, we’ll work with you to create a space that reflects your values and welcomes everyone.
Because inclusion isn’t just something we talk about — it’s something we design.
Disclaimer - The Ability Company
The opinions shared in our blogs reflect personal experiences and viewpoints. They’re not meant to represent every journey or replace professional advice.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice. The Ability Company makes no guarantees about accuracy or completeness and is not liable for decisions made based on this content. Use at your own discretion.
