Frequently asked questions

Access Declared is designed for anyone organising events, meetings, webinars, conferences, workshops or other activities where people participate. It can be used by individuals, teams and organisations of all sizes.

Yes. If you're speaking or presenting at someone else's event, you can publish your own Speaker declaration covering what you personally control - your slides, how you present, and how attendees can engage with your session - even if the event organiser isn't using Access Declared themselves. You can share this with the organiser to include in their event materials, post it alongside your own bio or session listing, or simply link to it when you share your slides. It's a way to actively support as an ally and be transparent about your own accessibility practice as a speaker, regardless of what else is in place for the wider event.

You don't need a separate declaration for every session. Complete one declaration for what's true across the whole event - the registration platform, overall accessibility contact, whether captions or recordings are available by default, and anything else consistent across all sessions. For sessions run by different speakers, point them to our Speaker declaration - a short, separate declaration they can complete and publish themselves, covering just what they personally control about their own session.

No. Access Declared is not about proving that an event is perfect. It helps organisations communicate honestly about what is available and what attendees should know before attending.

No. Every event has limitations. The purpose of an accessibility declaration is to provide information so people can make informed decisions. If someone contacts you with a specific request, you should still consider that request individually.

No. Access Declared does not assess, rate or certify organisations. It is a communication tool designed to encourage transparency.

Access Declared is not the only tool that helps organisers share event access information. Its particular approach is to provide separate online, in-person and hybrid checklists, while making space for organisers to communicate both what is provided and what is not currently available. Access Declared requires no account and does not ask for an organiser's name, organisation name, event name, attendee information or contact details. It also includes practical resources for organisers and plain-English information for attendees.

Venue accessibility apps and guides describe a place, such as its entrances, lifts, toilets, seating and sensory environment. Access Declared describes what has been arranged for a specific event, including its format, captions, materials, breaks, participation, networking and staff support. A venue guide and an event declaration can be used together. The venue guide explains the space, while Access Declared explains what attendees can expect from the event taking place there.

Access Declared is a self-reporting tool. We don't verify, audit, or endorse the accuracy of any published statement, and aren't responsible for an organisation's overall accessibility performance beyond what's stated.

Yes. Organisations can encourage teams and event organisers to create declarations as part of their existing event planning processes.

Yes. A lack of requests does not always mean that nobody has access needs. Some people may not feel comfortable disclosing personal information, may be unsure what support is possible, or may decide not to attend rather than ask. Sharing the same clear information for every event removes the need for individuals to raise the subject first, or highlights what they might need to ask about. The declaration does not need to be lengthy. For recurring events, you can reuse a saved starting point and update anything that has changed.

Update the declaration using your private edit link as soon as the change is known. If the change could affect someone's ability to attend, enter the venue or take part, do not rely on the updated webpage alone. Contact registered attendees directly where possible and explain the change, any alternative arrangements and who they can contact with questions. This could include a broken lift, a closed entrance or accessible toilet, a room change, unavailable captions or interpretation, or a change to the online platform.

No. Organisations can use Access Declared in whatever way works best for them. Some organisations may choose to share a commitment to accessibility transparency, while others may simply include declarations on individual events.