An accessible and inclusive Gathering 2026

We want the Gathering 2026 to be accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. We are applying a range of accessibility measures as standard.

For 2026, we are working with Welcome Brain Consulting, Diversified and the EICC to create a more neuro-inclusive event that is accessible to as many people as possible and to empower attendees to personalise their experience. We warmly invite you to tell us about your needs so that we can address them wherever possible.

You can tell us about your accessibility needs by emailing our Gathering team.

You can tell us about your accessibility needs by emailing our Gathering team. Or, if you're coming to the Gathering as a delegate, you can let us know later in the year when you book to attend.

What to expect

To prepare for the in-person Gathering on 10th and 11th February 2026, SCVO’s events team and internal staff accessibility group have built on the last Gathering that took place at the same venue and we've used the ‘Access Chain’ resource. We also took guidance and advice from the venue and specialist organisations. The accessibility measures we are taking as standard include:

In advance of the Gathering we will:

• Proactively ask delegates to tell us their needs
• Provide information about access and accessible facilities in a range of formats
• Offer information in accessible formats
• Present a welcoming and inclusive image for all visitors
• Provide transport and accommodation information and details of car parking/drop-off
• Welcome people bringing their own lunch, snacks and refreshments to save on cost

At the Gathering we will:

• Have a dedicated accessibility and information desk with welcoming and informed staff 
• Provide online and hard copy event and venue information
• Ensure clear signage and easily identifiable staff to provide support
• Provide induction loops at registration and all event rooms
• Limit public address (PA) announcements and ambient music
• Provide a prayer room, a quiet room, and a work room, in addition to quieter spaces around the venue. These will be clearly marked on signage throughout the venue.
• Provide Gathering exhibitors and event hosts with tips on how to be more accessible and inclusive, stressing our commitment to making the exhibition accessible
• Provide British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters as standard at the most important and/or popular events, which will also be recorded for the Gathering Extra

You can tell us about your personal accessibility needs by emailing our Gathering team.

Or, if you're coming to the Gathering as a delegate, you can let us know when you book to attend.