Accessibility
At Pride in Belper, Accessibility stands as one of our core values [Sustainability, Accessibility, Inclusivity and Diversity].
At events like Pride in Belper, which champion community diversity and inclusivity, it is imperative to uphold these values by ensuring that everyone feels safe and welcomed and can fully enjoy the experience.
On a community level, accessibility entails cultivating an environment where everyone can fully engage and contribute. By prioritising accessibility at Pride in Belper, we not only benefit people with disabilities, but we also enrich the entire community by creating a culture of safety, inclusivity and empathy.
What Do We, at Pride in Belper, Do?
As an organisation committed to whole community inclusivity, Pride in Belper plays a pivotal role in promoting accessibility:
Accessibility Planning: We integrate accessibility considerations into our event planning from the outset, ensuring that venues have clear signage, and are wheelchair accessible where possible. We make provisions through our ‘safe quiet space’ for people with diverse sensory needs, and we ensure that we have as much accessible seating as possible for people, who because of hidden disabilities, have less energy and need to sit down more frequently.
Provide Resources: We offer resources such as sign language interpreters and highlight accessible seating areas on our map. We hire a fully accessible toilet/washroom facility [Revoolution], and highlight gender neutral toilets and quiet zones on our Pride in Belper map to ensure that everyone knows where they can go to get what they need, so they can participate fully in the event.
Educate and Train: We provide training for our staff and volunteers on how to interact with people with disabilities, including people with mental health conditions, and hidden disabilities respectfully and inclusively.
Listen and Adapt: We listen to feedback from the community and are willing to adapt and enhance accessibility measures based on suggestions and insights.
Accessibility transcends being a merely ‘woke’ or a buzzword; it constitutes a fundamental aspect of creating inclusive communities and events. By prioritising accessibility at events like Pride in Belper, we are not only dismantling physical barriers but also nurturing a sense of belonging and acceptance for everyone.
Accessible Parade Route
We understand that the parade will be quite long and not suitable for everybody. We have, therefore, proposed an Accessible Route which is quite simply from the Market Place to the Memorial Gardens, via King Street, where you can get prime position and wait for the full parade to join.
We also have a Revoloo for the day. To find it go through the Market Place and it is at the entrance to the Coppice car park. This is a mobile accessible toilet with adult-sized changing bench, hoist and a friendly attendant. If you want to learn more about this service then please do take a look at their website
Our Safe Quiet Space
At Pride in Belper, we are committed to inclusivity and accessibility for all. We are working towards providing a safe, quiet space for people with diverse sensory needs, where everyone is welcome to take some time out. This space will offer a tranquil environment where individuals can feel comfortable, supported, and respected, ensuring that everyone can fully participate in and enjoy our events.