Social Enterprise Unconference 2019 Accessibility Plan

We try to make our events as accessible as possible for as many people to attend as possible. Please see below for specific information regarding certain accessibility factors for this venue. If you have questions or are an attendee with specific accessibility needs, please get in touch.

General information

The Social Enterprise Unconference 2019 will be held at Matau Marae, 19 Clay Road, Levin, 5572 from February 15–17, 2019.

• Carers are welcome at all of our events, please just advise us if this is needed.
• Assistance animals are welcome, and drinking water is available.
• The buildings are generally well cooled by cross-breezes. We will have large fans on site to be used as needed.
• Sleeping arrangements will be in the traditional style of a marae. Mattresses will be provided for sleeping on the floor in the main meeting room. Attendees will need to bring their own linens (bedding, towel/washcloth, pillow). If you need a single room or other sleeping accommodations, Levin is only 5 minutes from the marae and we will happily provide you with a list of resources.

Information for people with physical disabilities

• The grounds are primarily flat with paved footpaths.
• There is a 6cm lip on the front door to the meeting house which we can either assist the person over or place a small ramp.
• The front door to the dining room is at the top of a mild ramp, and we will have people on the front doors from 2–6pm on the first night, and throughout the weekend.
• The floor is flat and is suitable for most wheelchairs & other mobility aids.
• There are multiple buildings, but wheelchairs are able to move with ease between the dining room and the meeting room — and around the flat areas
• The toilets have a lip with a steep incline at the door (pictures available). The width of the entry doors are 91cm and 95cm, the width of the stall doors are 62cm. If there are attendees who require more accessible toilets, we will hire a portable toilet to ensure everyone is accomodated.
• Showers are available at the site. There is a 19cm lip at the front of each shower stall.
• We will look to have a 24V 8A charger available, which is suitable for most powerchairs and mobility scooters. You are welcome to charge your equipment using this or your own charger.
• Blankets and pillows are available for people who need to rest due to fatigue or disability reasons.

Information for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and sound-sensitive people

• Induction loop systems are not currently available.
• Assistance animals are welcome, and drinking water is available.
• We regretfully do not have the resources for sign language interpreters at our events.
• The venue can sometimes be loud, but we will have a breakout space which anyone is welcome to use.

Information for blind, partially-sighted people, and photosensitive people

• Assistance animals are welcome, and drinking water is available.
• Large print versions of resources are generally available.
• Audio CD, DAISY CD, MP3 audio, Braille and tactile diagram versions of resources are generally not available, but can be made available upon request.
• The meeting hall of the marae is mainly lit with single CFL bulbs in overhead lamps and only receives natural light from the front doors and back windows. Amount of lighting can be adjusted to suit accessibility needs.
• The dining hall of the marae has windows with lace netting curtains on each side and so receives more natural light than the meeting hall. It is lit with single CFL bulbs in overhead lamps.

Information for Autistic, anxious and Neurodiverse people

• Assistance animals are welcome, and drinking water is available.
• We welcome anxious or nervous people to come along to all of our events early if they want to talk to an individual contact person before coming along into a group. Please get in touch if you would like to meet someone one-to-one in advance, or turn up early by up to 30 minutes for an easier entry to events. The organisers will be wearing t-shirts that will show they are organisers, and at least one organiser will be at the main entrance for check in.

Information for people with severe allergies or who are immunocompromised

• We welcome the use of safety / particulate masks for those that wish/need to use them.
• We will require our team and visitors to not open or eat food containing allergens (nuts, etc) if they will affect your health. Please let our team know and we’ll ensure this is put in place for you.

First Aid information

• In a health emergency, you should call 111 from a mobile phone. The address is 19 Clay Road, Levin 5572
• There is a landline available in the kitchen. The first aid box is located next to the phone.
• You should also notify our team, who will be wearing admin badges. You will be provided a number to call in your Registration Badge as well.

Food & dietary information

• Food & drinks are generally available at the venue.
• We will provide tea, coffee, fresh water, and snacks.
• Vegan and gluten-, soy-, nut- and dairy-free snacks are generally available and can be bought elsewhere and brought along.
• You are welcome to bring your own hot or cold food and drink. There is a fridge to store items in.
• Unlawful drugs are not permitted to be used at the venue. You are welcome to bring your own prescription medication. A smoking area is available outside at the rear of the building.
• Alcohol will be available to drink over dinner and the evenings. Attendees should manage their own consumption, and excessive drinking will not be allowed.
• If you have worries or concerns about attending, or about someone you know attending, please get in touch.