[⁠View the full transcript here.⁠]

Welcome to a compelling new episode of The Association 100 podcast, where we're kicking off 2024 with a focus on enhancing accessibility within the association community. Our guest, Rosemarie Rossetti, PhD, a renowned accessibility expert and consultant, joins co-hosts Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning of OnWrd & UpWrd to share invaluable insights on accommodating people with disabilities at meetings and events.

In this episode, Rosemarie delves into her personal journey to becoming an advocate for disability inclusion, sparked by her own life-changing accident in 1998. With a career spanning over 27 years, she explains how her company evolved to specialize in assisting associations to create more inclusive environments for all attendees.

Rosemarie emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, from initial announcements to detailed registration processes, ensuring that every participant's needs are anticipated and met. She offers practical advice for associations venturing into accessibility improvements, suggesting partnerships with experienced consultants to navigate the intricate process effectively.

Listeners will learn about the key factors to consider for accessible event planning, including venue selection, communication strategies and budgeting for inclusivity. Rosemarie shares her recent experience consulting for a major association's annual meeting, highlighting the impact of thoughtful accommodations like complimentary scooters for attendees.

This episode also explores the transition to virtual events, where Rosemarie recommends simple yet significant adjustments to make online gatherings more accessible. She underscores the need for clear communication and the integration of accessibility features, such as captioning and sign language interpretation, from the outset.

As associations strive to be more inclusive, Rosemarie points out common challenges they face, including financial constraints and the necessity for leadership support. She concludes with optimistic reflections on the future of accessibility in the association space, envisioning a year marked by widespread adoption of best practices and a genuine commitment to inclusivity.

Join us for this enlightening discussion on making accessibility a cornerstone of association event planning. Whether you're new to the topic or seeking to enhance your organization's efforts, Rosemarie's expertise and passion will inspire and guide you towards creating more welcoming and accommodating events for everyone.

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