In an ever-changing world, where diversity and inclusivity are crucial for a thriving society, businesses must adapt and learn to serve their entire community better. Understanding the significance of this, Toolbox Marketing recently took a significant step forward by investing in Disability Equality Training facilitated by a professional accessibility consultant.
On Monday, 19th June 2023, the team had the privilege of learning from Katie Anna McConnell, an expert in disability and inclusivity. This comprehensive training aimed to equip the marketing team with the knowledge and tools necessary to become better allies to the disabled community.
The training spanned an entire day, providing the team with an engaging and immersive experience. Guided by Katie Anna, participants explored disability legislation, and social ideologies, and engaged in practical exercises. Through meaningful discussions and real-life anecdotes, the group gained a profound understanding of the challenges faced by disabled individuals, empowering them to actively contribute to a more inclusive society.
One of the core objectives of the training was to improve the accessibility of Toolbox Marketing’s events and campaigns. The team learned about various accommodations and adjustments that can be implemented to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. They gained insights into different types of access, such as level and step-free access, and discussed strategies to incorporate sign language interpreters and audio descriptions. Equipped with this knowledge, Toolbox Marketing now possesses a comprehensive toolkit to ensure that its events and campaigns are as inclusive and accessible as possible.
In addition to physical provisions, the training also addressed the importance of digital inclusivity. As technology continues to shape the marketing landscape, it is essential to ensure that online content provides an equitable experience. The team received specialised training on alt-text, which involves adding descriptions to images to provide context for individuals who rely on screen readers. They also learned about the significance of captions in video content and considered font, formatting, and colour combinations to enhance accessibility. By incorporating these practices, Toolbox Marketing is taking significant steps toward creating a more inclusive online presence.
Toolbox Marketing’s investment in Disability Equality Training marks the beginning of an ongoing journey toward accessibility and inclusivity. The team recognises that this process requires consistent effort and continued education. They are committed to implementing the knowledge gained from the training into their daily work and actively seeking future opportunities for growth and improvement. Toolbox Marketing aims to lead by example, inspiring positive change within the marketing industry and emphasising the importance of inclusivity in all aspects of its operations equipping them to be better allies to the disabled community.