Last updated: 2 December 2025
Top tips for accessible online events
For more free guidance, see our resource with top tips on running in-person and hybrid events.
- Use an accessible platform. Ensure you know how accessible the platform you are using is, and become familiar with any accessibility features you can use to make it as accessible as possible. Our resource on video conferencing apps contains analysis of some of the leading online event platforms.
- Provide captions and/or sign language interpretation. Many of your disabled attendees will not be able to access your event content without captions and/or sign language interpretation. Plan in advance to provide the services your audience needs and integrate them as seamlessly as possible into your event.
- Auto-generated captions are less accurate. They can be an appealing option due to ease of use and low cost, but they are also likely to lead to a worse experience for your guests who rely on them. Think about your budget, any technical limitations, and what your audience needs when planning how you will provide captions.
- Choose an event format that is suitable for your event content. There are many different types of online events, and your content will be better suited to some types over others. Choosing the right event format will mean your event content is conveyed more effectively, and there will be fewer barriers to your disabled attendees engaging with your event content.
- Work with your speakers. Ensure that they know how to present in an inclusive way, such as using inclusive language and avoiding inaccessible presentations and other media.
- Make anticipatory adjustments. These are changes to the event to remove barriers that you make proactively, without someone asking. This means looking at all aspects of your event to identify potential barriers, and taking steps to reduce or remove them wherever possible. This means you will be asked to make fewer adjustments that you haven’t planned for, and you will have built accessibility into the core of the event.
- Ask guests if they need adjustments. You should ask as early as possible whether your guests need adjustments – for example, when they register. This indicates your willingness to welcome disabled people, and gives you as much time as possible to make the adjustments your guests need.
- Ask for feedback. After the event, ask your guests if they had any difficulties around accessibility or disability inclusion. Use this feedback to improve your future events.
Videos about inclusive events
We have a selection of free videos with interviews and guidance on how to create inclusive events.
Designing inclusive events
This video explains some of the key things to consider for an inclusive event, including location and venue, screens and captions, sign language interpreters, catering and dietary requirements, and accessible registration.
Anna Gellert – EBRD
In this video, Anna Gellert, Associate Director for Annual Meetings, Protocol and Event Management at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) discusses what inclusive events mean for them.
Things that make events more inclusive
In this video, an event attendee explains what makes an event more inclusive for them, such as signage and sharing accessibility information.
Creating inclusive events
Paul Smyth MBE, Director of Digital Accessibility for Barclays Bank discusses his view of what event accessibility means.
Creating accessible events
Matthew Johnston, Global Program Manager for Disability Inclusion at Thoughtworks, outlines how event organisers can make the experience more accessible to him.
Captioning your events
Matthew Johnston, Global Program Manager for Disability Inclusion at Thoughtworks, talks about the pros and cons of using AI captions compared with human captioners at events.
Top tips for creating accessible events
Georgina Whitehead, Events Manager at Business Disability Forum, shares her own top tips for creating accessible and inclusive events.
If you require this content in a different format, contact enquiries@businessdisabilityforum.org.uk.
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