Festival of Health Research 2017 is committed to hosting a festival that is inclusive, accessible, and respectful of peoples’ nuances: we know poets and poetry fans are an eclectic bunch! Our team of volunteers, partner agencies, venues and their staff, are all committed to ensuring festival participants and patrons experience the events in a manner that respects each individual’s dignity and independence.
To address some concerns we are implementing the following protocols during the tournament.Basic Policies:
- All events are Scent Free
- Priority seating will be available at all events –contact Wes in advance or talk to door person upon arrival
- Guide and service animals are welcome at all events.
- All events will have trained Active Listeners present.
- All events have gender-inclusive washrooms.
- No one is turned away for lack of funds (not including master classes or workshops)
Some of the venues are better equipped than others when it comes to accessibility. Thankfully, Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, where many of our events occur, is fully-physically accessible and also has 8 assisted listening devices. We are currently trying to access ASL interpreters for semis and finals.
Over the next week, we will be doing accessibility audits for the 11 venues hosting the festival and each will be posted on the website and fb pages. Most of the venues are accessible with mobility devices, however some of those do not have accessible washrooms and mobility within the venue may be difficult due to spacing. We will work with these venues to increase mobility and neighbouring establishments to source accessible washrooms.
We value your input to this process and ensure that any inquiries will remain confidential. Audits will be done using the Radical Access Map Project template which is quite comprehensive. Any other suggestions are welcome. Have a great festival and we look forward to helping you enjoy your time at Festival of Health Research 2017.