Education Topic: Accessibility Solutions for the Meeting Professional

October’s program addresses common sense issues and solutions regarding accessibility for all attendees including individuals with disabilities. The presentation will include practices specifically in the meetings industry, ex. buffet heights, reception tables – high and low, meeting room set up for ease of movement, lodging room considerations, etc.

Matthew will provide both suppliers and planners ideas that do not require large capital investments or structural changes. Tips on what can be done during the planning phase to help eliminate the need for on- site changes during the meeting/conference/event.

Core Competency – Facilities & Services

Speaker:
Matthew Shapiro, Founder of 6 Wheels Consulting

As a person with a disability (PwD), Matthew has spent most of his life motivated to teach those he has met how to better understand the disability community. Through this work it has become his life’s mission to educate others regarding disability related issues.  With this thought in mind, in December of 2014, he created 6 Wheels Consulting which was created to work with those in both the private and public sectors in the hopes of expanding their understanding of disabilities. Over the past several years, Matthew has been actively involved in numerous disability and youth related boards, organizations, and programs. Matthew has also shared his knowledge and experience through a variety of public speaking engagements across the country.

 After the session, attendees will:

• Have a better understanding of what is involved in ensuring that your meeting/conference/event is accessible to all.

• Have some low cost, or free, solutions to address issues regarding accessibility at meetings/events in terms of physical space/setup.

• Have some tips/techniques that can be utilized prior to the meeting/conference/event to ensure that accessibility for all becomes a routine part of one’s planning process.

*Please Note, you must be in your seat by 3:15 PM to receive contact hours