Scoping questions
This guideline applies if you answer yes to either:- Do guests need to submit information before your event to sign up (ticket purchase, website form, mail, or on-arrival)?
- On the day of your event, are guests required to sign in before participating?
Implementation guidelines
General registration materials
Text and fonts- Use easy-to-read, non-stylized, sans-serif fonts.
- Avoid decorative effects such as italics.
- Ensure a high contrast ratio between text and background (at least 4.5:1, ideally 7:1).
- Do not place text over images. If you must, put an opaque box behind it.
- Use proper sentence case. All-uppercase is acceptable for short headers.
- Avoid centered or indented text. Use left- or right-justified text as appropriate for your region.
- Avoid long paragraphs. Use short, simple language.
- Use iconography or pictograms to break up large paragraphs.
- Add standard accessibility symbols (like the International Symbol of Access) when appropriate.
- Avoid pronouns like “you” and “I” whenever possible.
- Avoid hyphens to break text.
- Publish information describing what accommodations will be available: sign-language interpretation, closed captions, audio descriptions, sensory processing aids, quiet rooms, elevators, accessible bathrooms, etc.
- Provide a way for participants to indicate accessibility accommodation and dietary needs.
- Acknowledge received requests and follow up if you have questions.
Printed materials
Paper- Avoid glossy paper and standard white printing paper — they can cause glare for those using magnification. Use a matte finish.
- Ensure paper is thick enough that text from one side isn’t visible on the other.
- Use standard 8.5 × 11-inch paper (or regional equivalent) or larger — not so large as to be unwieldy.
- Font size between 16 and 18 pt.
- 1-inch margins.
- Anything to be returned (like a registration form) should be accompanied by a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope.
- Provide an alternative registration channel — website, email, or phone.
Online websites
- Registration websites should meet WCAG 2.1 AA.
- Provide an alternative such as an email address or phone number.
Registration desks
Kiosks- Kiosk interfaces should meet WCAG 2.1 AA.
- Enable screen narration. Provide headphone jacks and headphones on request.
- Include a USB port. Have physical keyboards (large-print recommended) and braillers available on request.
- Staff the kiosks to help registrants and provide peripherals.
- Provide an alternative registration method beyond the kiosk.
- Desks must accommodate wheelchairs — able to roll up to and under.
- Have staff available to help with credentials, badges, and lanyards.
- Provide a separate line and check-in station for people with disabilities. If not possible, have staff walking the line to offer to advance guests who cannot wait.
- Outdoors: provide shade and water.
- Stanchions and barriers should be wide enough (ideally 48+ inches) for large power chairs.
- Provide water bowls and a designated relief area for service dogs (owners handle cleanup).
- Provide both visual and auditory queue instructions.
- Post signs describing available accommodations: sign-language interpretation, closed captions, audio descriptions, sensory processing aids, quiet rooms.
- Provide sensory processing aids (ear plugs, fidgets, dark glasses) on request.
- Ensure registration staff have the list of accommodation and dietary requests, and the plans in place to fulfill them, so they can confirm with guests on arrival.