A convention centre has improved
accessibility after hosting a meeting on disability.
ICC Belfast has installed a special
toilet for severely disabled people with equipment such as hoists, curtains,
adult-sized changing benches, and space for carers.
The Changing Places toilet was one
of the ‘legacies’ of the venue hostingthe Harkin
International Disability Employment Summit last month, an event which attracted
500 people.
The installation of which was funded
by Belfast City Council.
ICC
Belfast invested in additional enhancements and upgrades – all now permanent legacies
of the Harkin Institute selecting the venue as its 2022 Summit location.
More than 80 per cent of ICC
Belfast staff have been given JAM – or Just a Minute – training to support
delegates who want to communicate their accessibility needs discreetly. Elsewhere a
video has been created which supports delegates to arrive at the venue and feel
comfortable knowing that they can understand how to navigate their surroundings
with the support of subtitles.
Julia Corkey, CEO
of ICC Belfast, said: “As we, and our partners, collaborate to attract business
conferences and exhibitions to Belfast, it is vital our city continues to make
a collective effort to be as welcoming a space as we can be. A space for everyone
to enjoy, regardless of their needs. We are committed to investing in our venue
on an ongoing basis to ensure that ICC Belfast continues to be accessible and
is a place that celebrates diversity and champions inclusion. “
Continuing to attract conferencing
and business events to Belfast is considered a critical driver in the region’s
economic recovery. According to Tourism Northern Ireland’s recently launched Integrated
Strategy for Business Events in Northern Ireland, it is estimated that the
sector could deliver £209 million in direct economic impact, and up to 2000 new
jobs by 2030.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
