243: Beyond Barriers: Unleashing the Power of Inclusive Events
On this episode, Tracy sits down with Cazoshay Marie, a professional speaker and disability advocate, sharing her powerful insights on the importance of inclusion in event planning and the business benefits of creating truly accessible experiences. 🎤
I met and interviewed her at Catersource + TSE 2024 where she was presenting an education session on the significance of inclusivity in events, not only from a compassionate standpoint but also as a strategic advantage for businesses.
Her personal journey of living with disabilities after a life-changing event fuels her passion for making events more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
Discover how simple accommodations and thoughtful planning can transform events into inclusive spaces that cater to diverse needs.
From discussing different disabilities to sharing practical tips on event planning with inclusivity in mind, Cazoshay's expertise offers a fresh perspective on creating events that truly resonate with all attendees.
Don't miss out on Cazoshay's valuable advice for event planners, the financial opportunities ingrained in inclusivity, and the transformative power of universal design.
Learn how small adjustments and proactive communication can revolutionize the event experience for individuals with disabilities and enhance attendee satisfaction across the board.
Heard on the Episode
"I realized that the world is not really inclusive and understanding or accommodating to people with disabilities." ~ Cazoshay Marie (00:01:30)
"1 in 4 adults in the United States have a disability... that’s a significant part of the population." ~ Cazoshay Marie (00:03:45)
Key Topics Discussed
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Importance of Inclusivity
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The significance of creating inclusive events for businesses and individuals.
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Types of Disabilities
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Common disabilities and how to accommodate them in event planning.
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Universal Design
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Designing events to be accessible to everyone, not just those with disabilities.
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Practical Tips for Planners
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Clear communication, providing information in advance, and easy navigation tips.
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Financial Benefits
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Inclusivity as a financial opportunity for businesses.
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Personal Experiences
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Cazoshay's experiences with inaccessible events and her journey as an advocate.
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Key Takeaways
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Clear Communication: Provide as much event information as possible ahead of time to allow attendees to prepare and navigate events smoothly.
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Universal Design: Implement design principles that benefit everyone, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees.
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Practical Considerations: Include clear signage, accessible paths, and quiet spaces at events.
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Financial Opportunity: Recognizing the financial benefits of inclusivity can encourage businesses to adopt more inclusive practices.
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Personal Contributions: People with disabilities have valuable perspectives and contributions that enhance event experiences.
Tips
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Early Communication: Share detailed event schedules and navigation instructions beforehand.
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Clear Signage: Ensure easy-to-read and understandable signs are in place.
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Accessible Routes: Identify and clearly mark accessible paths and areas.
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Quiet Spaces: Provide quiet areas for breaks, benefiting people with sensory sensitivities and all attendees needing rest.
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Engage with Attendees: Encourage feedback from those with disabilities to improve future events.
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Cazoshay Marie
Disability Advocate, Resilience Expert, Speaker & Content Creator
Cazoshay Marie is a dynamic advocate, creator, and holistic wellness professional dedicated to disability awareness and brain health. A survivor of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), she uses her experiences to inspire and educate through her work as a yoga and meditation instructor, artist, writer, and speaker.
Founder of D.I.D. with Cazoshay, she combines advocacy with lifestyle blogging, offering insights on living with disabilities, holistic wellness, and urban homesteading. Her platform includes engaging content on her blog, social media (@cazoshay_marie), and podcast, where she shares recipes, recovery stories, and resources for resilience.
Cazoshay’s passion for wellness and elegant living shines through in everything she does, making her a trusted voice in the disability and wellness communities.
