The following is a press release written by Michael Shermis and Desiree DeMolina for the City of Bloomington.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2024
New Accessibility Checklist Aims to Make Bloomington Events More Inclusive
Bloomington, Ind. – The Council for Community Accessibility (CCA) has released a new resource to ensure that public and private events in Bloomington are accessible and welcoming to individuals with disabilities. The Accessible and Inclusive Events Checklist is designed to help event planners navigate the often-overlooked barriers that can prevent community members from fully participating.
This comprehensive checklist covers key areas such as scheduling, marketing, venue selection, food and drink planning, technological accommodations, and attendee engagement. It also highlights actionable steps to foster a sense of comfort and inclusion so that more residents can enjoy local events without unnecessary challenges.
The initiative comes as Bloomington continues to prioritize inclusivity in all aspects of community life. With this checklist, the CCA aims to empower event organizers—whether in government, nonprofits, or the private sector—to create environments where accessibility is a priority, not an afterthought.
For instance, the checklist advises event hosts to:
- Include clear accessibility accommodation statements in promotional materials.
- Proactively address common barriers, such as physical access, dietary restrictions, and communication needs.
- Provide opportunities for attendees to request specific accommodations in advance.
The checklist is available on the CCA’s webpage. Community members and event organizers are encouraged to review it and reach out with questions, feedback, or suggestions.
“Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about making Bloomington more inclusive for everyone,” said Michael Shermis, staff liaison for the CCA. “This checklist gives organizers practical tools to ensure their events are accessible and welcoming for as many people as possible.”
The CCA, a volunteer-driven initiative, promotes awareness and advocates for individuals with disabilities across the city. The Council is open to new members and welcomes anyone interested in contributing to its mission. Join them for their monthly meeting on the last Monday of the month (the next one is November 25th) from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at City Hall (Allison Room), 401 N. Morton St.
For more information or to inquire about accessibility for your event, contact the CCA at cca@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3478.
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