Accessibility
Please let the event team know if you have any accessibility requirements for the event.
This includes, but is not limited to; hearing impairment, mobility impairment; physical, mental & dietary needs for which a reasonable adjustments can be made to enhance your comfort at the event.
Location
- Venue is easily accessible by public & private transport
- The venue has amble parking and disabled spaces are available on request – please note we do require 7 days notice to reserve a space near the event entrance
- Closest Train Station is Horwich Parkway – (0.5 miles – 10 minute walk)
- Meeting rooms are accessible, with enough room to manoeuvre wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Stair Lifts, ramps where required
- Access to nearby toilets and specific disabled toilets.
- Well lit spaces for those that may lip read
Catering
- Caterers can provide for all pre ordered dietary requirements. Minimum requirement of 14 days notice
- Ensuring there are chairs and tables to have food and drinks
- If a self-service buffet is offered, a server can assist wheelchair users or mobility impaired people by bringing food directly to their table
Build/exhibition
- Lower height counters available at registration
- Clear aisleways, approx. 2m wide (no narrower than 1.5m)
- Upon request, accessible route map available for attendees including walking routes, nearby accommodation, parking information and toilets
Speaking sessions and rooms
- Step to stage where possible (ramp available on request)
- Adjustable microphone heights or alternatives such as lapel microphones
- Upon request seating can be reserved for guests who are:
- hearing impaired to be near the interpreters, captionists, note-takers
- vision impaired
- sign interpreters
- wheelchairs and motorised scooter users
- people accompanied by guide/service dogs
- Event will ensure there are sufficient breaks. Minimum of 10-15 minutes break every 30-50 minutes to allow quests to use facilities or get refreshments. Session lengths are clearly shown on the programme.
- For better audio, headsets will be used in open spaces to cut out background noise – guests are able to request details of which sessions will include headsets in advance of the event.
Content and Sharing Information
- Speakers will provide content including an agenda with timings and speaker details in advance, ensuring this is an accessible format.
- Slides shared (with permission) after the event
Additional items available on request:
(Minimum 28 days prior)
Closed captioning or hearing loops
Quiet/Prayer room
🐶 Support Animals at The Northern Education Show
We know that animals can be a huge source of comfort and support, especially for those managing mental health conditions. While UK law only gives public access rights to officially trained assistance dogs, we want to be as inclusive and supportive as possible.
Assistance Dogs
If you’re bringing a registered assistance dog (e.g. guide, hearing, or medical alert dog), that’s absolutely fine — they’re very welcome! Just let us know in advance so we can make sure everything’s set up for you and your four-legged companion.
Therapy or Emotional Support Animals
If you have a therapy or emotional support animal who helps with your wellbeing but isn’t a formally trained assistance dog, the legal situation is a bit different — they don’t have automatic access rights. But we’re happy to chat and see what’s possible on a case-by-case basis.
If you’d like to bring a support animal or have questions, just drop us a line by clicking here. The earlier the better — ideally at least 1 month prior to the event— so we can explore options together and make sure everyone feels supported.
