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Accessible communications top of the agenda at EFDS conference

National Governing Bodies of sport, County Sports Partnerships and sports projects from across England joined leaders in the accessible communications industry for a one-day conference. The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) organised the Active Communications Conference held on 11 April in Manchester and is delighted with its success. Supported by Sport England, EFDS organised the day so delegates could learn more about adapting communication activity and reach more people.

A fantastic team of experts took to the stage and presented on a range of communication subjects. Introduced by EFDS Marketing and Communications Manager, Sarah Marl, the speakers covered various activities essential in helping more people get active.

  • Sport England’s Strategic Lead, Brand and Digital, Kate Dale, gave an open and honest presentation on the changes her organisation is continuing to make to improve their work.
  • Gareth Ford Williams, BBC’s Head of Accessibility, User Experience and Design, explained the importance of his organisation’s values, framework and champions.
  • Robin Christopherson, Head of Digital Inclusion for AbilityNet, gave a powerful speech on how advances in technology can, if accessible, open up the world to so many people. He played a variety of videos and audio files to show the impact of inaccessible and accessible communications.
  • Andy Black from the Plain English Campaign spoke about the key principles in writing, thinking about the audience and the word as well as length of sentences.
  • Catherine Grinyer, Big Voice Communications, concluded the speaker sessions with a presentation on budgeting. She addressed the importance of planning and using free tools that are available as well as briefing designers fully in our proposals.

Sarah Marl commented:

“It was our first conference on this subject, so we’re delighted with the response from all those involved. EFDS believes that inclusive marketing and communications has a huge part to play in getting more people active.
Whether accessing information or being a part of campaigns, resources or activities, the way we communicate to our audiences has greater impact if it’s more accessible. We hope delegates can use some of their learning in their own plans and help us all to make active lives possible.”

Throughout the day, delegates reported their thoughts through the #ActiveComms hashtag.

Following the morning keynote session, delegates had an informative and interactive afternoon with more experts. Small groups moved around tables to discuss essential communications topics. They included accessible social media, website testing and engaging disabled people.

Barry Horne, EFDS Chief Executive, closed the conference, recapping the day’s presentations. He reiterated how inclusive marketing and communications has a central place in the charity’s future strategies and encouraged others to do the same in order to get more people active.

The conference compliments EFDS ongoing work within sport and fitness in this area. EFDS continually promotes and supports inclusive marketing and communications. As well as the successful Guide and film, EFDS has delivered a range of workshops to National Governing Bodies, County Sports Partnerships and other providers.

Thanks go to all delegates and speakers involved in the day. We look forward to working with you as we all continue improving our work on inclusive and accessible communications.

For more information about further opportunities similar to this, please email Sarah Marl or contact us.