Holiday guide: How to plan and host an inclusive festive season

The festive season is a special time of the year when many of us enjoy spending extended time with loved ones and getting involved in social activities with friends and colleagues.

With public places brightly decorated and festive tunes playing on the radio, it can be easy to forget that the holiday season is not always a time of celebration and joy for people facing vulnerable situations or those living with a disability. As the festive season approaches, you can ensure it’s an inclusive time for people around us by planning ahead.

Be prepared for this holiday period with our guide to planning and hosting an inclusive festive season for your friends, family, workplace and people in your community. 

What is inclusivity, and why is it important to have an inclusive holiday?

Diversity Council Australia describes ‘inclusion’ as an environment where different people can feel respected and valued, have access to opportunities and resources and can contribute their perspectives in a meaningful way.

Here are three reasons why it’s important to create an inclusive environment this festive season:

1. An inclusive holiday allows everyone to join in:

Inclusivity is important as it enables everyone in our community, family or workplace to participate in the festive season.

When we fail to think about inclusion, social activities can be limiting and inaccessible for people living with a disability, elderly people or those in vulnerable situations. 

Did you know? According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are over 4 million people in Australia, or 1 in 5 Australians who experience disability.

Creating inclusive spaces for people with a disability involves more than just inviting or encouraging people, it requires intentional plans and designs to allow meaningful participation and contribution. 

There are various types of disabilities, including intellectual disabilities to physical disabilities. We can unintentionally overlook the needs of vulnerable people, but with a substantial portion of our community living with disability, it’s important that our events, gatherings and workplaces create an inclusive environment this festive season.

When we can create inclusive spaces for people with a disability, we can enjoy increased participation and meaningful connections this festive season. 

2. Inclusive holidays celebrate diversity:

When festive celebrations are inclusive, we can celebrate diversity in our communities. Everyone is unique and can have different cultural backgrounds, religious affiliations, genders, ages and values.

The holiday season is an opportunity to welcome differences within our families, workplaces and communities. By creating an inclusive environment this festive season can help us appreciate the wonderful differences in our communities. 

“We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. Without diversity, life would be very boring.” – Catherine Pulsifer, author. 

3. Inclusive workplaces are lawful:

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, it’s unlawful to discriminate against a person because of their disability when providing goods, services or facilities or access to public premises.

In the spirit of the Act, workplaces and businesses can facilitate an inclusive festive season by considering the accessibility requirements of their employees when planning an end-of-year celebration or Christmas party.  

Tip: Achieve inclusivity and accessibility in your workplace this festive season by developing an Accessibility Action Plan, which helps identify and plan for significant changes in your workplace.

Learn more about developing your organisation’s plan here.

How to plan and host an inclusive event this festive season 

Taking a moment to plan ahead and think about the unique needs of the elderly or those living with a disability can help us create an inclusive environment this festive season.

Whether you’re planning a workplace Christmas party, family lunch or event with your friends, here are some helpful tips for creating an inclusive event this festive season from preparation to execution: 

5 Tips for planning an inclusive event 

1. Consider dietary requirements:

As you begin planning your event, consider the various dietary requirements of your guests. Not only are dietary requirements important to prevent allergic reactions, but other people may also have various dietary needs.

For example, an elderly loved one may have difficulty chewing specific foods, while others may have dietary requirements due to religious or cultural reasons.  

TIP: On your event invitation, include a space where your guests can specify any dietary requirements.   

2. Don’t pressure people:

The festive season can feel isolating, emotionally stressful or mentally straining for some people. Declining an event invitation can be one way of dealing with the pressures of the festive season, which may be taxing on some individuals.

Rather than pressuring people with questions about why they’ve chosen to decline an invitation, look for ways you connect with them in a different way.  

TIP: Allow for people to respond privately to an event rather than declining an invitation over a group chat or public channel.

3. Choose an accessible event space:

Whether in a public venue or the comfort of your home, consider how your festivities can be accessible for older adults or anyone living with a disability.

Look out for venues that are designed to be accessible and safe for all people.  

Some ways to spot an accessible public venue:  

• Signs that say ‘guide dogs welcome’ 
• Ramps for wheelchair access 
• Entrances to the venue are accessible, including the weight of the doors and the narrowness of corridors  
• Kerbs and footpaths allow for ease of access
• Sufficient lighting
• Absences of hazards such as loose railing, obtrusive furniture or steep stairs 
• Menus or store signs should have an easy-to-read font and use simple language
• Designated parking bays for use by people with disabilities
• Even firm and non-slip surfaces in hazardous areas  
• Unisex or disabled toilets are available on-site. 

Tip: Where possible, request a floor plan or room map that you can supply to guests before the event. This allows enough time to notice any challenges and plan accordingly. 

4. Consider inclusive transport options:

When choosing a venue or activity, consider whether public transport is available that is close to the venue and if so, specify to guests what those options include.

It can also be helpful to specify the approximate distance from the public transportation to the venue as some older adults or people with a disability may require additional help when travelling a far distance.

For private transportation options, access to car parks should also be considered as some car parks may only be accessed via stairs.  

Tip: Homage’s Care Professionals provide transportation services to assist your logistical needs as you travel to and from events or medical appointments. Book a consultation today to learn more. 

5. Seat allocation:

This festive season, allocating seats in advance can help people with a disability enjoy the event. Allocated seating can help determine the best areas to seat guests with a disability or any additional requirements.

Reserved seating areas can be set aside for wheelchair users, with sightlines designed for optimal access. Some events may require additional audio support and tactile signage. 

Specifying areas that can cater to the unique needs of different individuals create a welcoming and inclusive environment this festive season. 

7 Tips for hosting an inclusive event this festive season

1. Be creative with activities:

This festive season, tailoring certain activities to suit the needs of any elderly loved ones or people with a disability in attendance can help create an inclusive environment. 

Some things to consider when planning activities this festive season include: 

• • Weather conditions: Are you planning an outdoor BBQ or sports activity this festive season? Certain disabilities or physical needs may restrict an individual’s capacity to spend time outdoors or handle different environmental conditions such as heat, wind or sun. You may opt for a venue with indoor and outdoor facilities, undercover areas or choose a time when the sun is not at its peak. In between events, consider ways you can minimise waiting time to avoid unnecessary exposure to the elements. Additionally, wet weather may increase risks of slips and falls, so support elderly loved ones by considering wet weather plans ahead of time.  
  • Flexible scheduling: People with a disability or elderly loved ones may require additional time to travel, complete a task or move around. Allowing plenty of time for individuals to complete a task or move in between activities can help cater to the needs of people at the event. 
  • Types of activities: Depending on the types of activities you have in mind for your event this festive season, highly stimulating activities may need to be spaced out or adjusted to suit people with different needs. For example, people with autism may be sensitive to certain activities so plan alternative methods for activities beforehand. Planning sensory-friendly activities can be another way you can ensure the activities this festive season is inclusive and inviting for people with autism or other disabilities.  

If you’re celebrating this festive season at home, there’s no shortage of activities that you can organise to allow for a safe and inclusive environment. Activities such as ‘Secret Santa’ or guessing people by their childhood photos can be easy to organise pastimes that everyone can get involved with. 

2. Use inclusive language this festive season:

The words we use can either help foster an inclusive environment or create division. Be mindful of the words that you or other guests use during this festive season to build an inclusive and welcoming environment. Here are some suggestions:

3. Prioritise the person, not the disability or condition:

Refer to people by their names and where applicable, opt for phrases such as ‘person with a hearing impairment’ or ‘a person with a disability’ rather than phrases such as ‘a hearing impaired person’ or ‘a disabled person.

It can also be appropriate to refer to a specific disability rather than using words such as ‘victim’ or ‘disabled person’. 

When referring to other guests, you may opt to use the words, ‘people without disabilities’ rather than harmful phrases such as ‘able-bodied people’ or ‘normal people’. 

If a guest or loved one has a care professional with them this festive season, address the person directly, not their interpreter or support worker.

4. Avoid cliches and negative words:

During conversations this festive season, avoid cliches that suggest people with a disability or elderly people are incapable or suffering. Phrases such as “It must be terrible” implies a stereotypical view that people living with a disability have a lower quality of life when this is not necessarily the case.

Negative words such as ‘unfit’ or ‘limited’ are also not helpful when creating an inclusive space. 

5. Create a rest or time-out zone:

The festive season can be full of stimulating activities and movement. Social events can also be physically and mentally demanding on people.

When you incorporate periods of rest between activities or allocate a ‘time out area’ or space where people can enjoy some stillness, it can help anyone who may feel overwhelmed this festive season. 

6. Have an emergency plan in place:

It’s better to be over-prepared in the case of an emergency this festive season. Have a first aid kit ready before your guests arrive and have a list of contacts of nearby medical professionals that can assist with any health complications that may arise.

If any of your guests are facing vulnerabilities or living with a disability, ask them in advance to supply a list of their emergency contacts in case where any additional support may be required. 

Tip: Saving the address of the nearest emergency hospital or medical professionals in your smartphone’s map application can save you essential time during an emergency. 

7. Get help and professional assistance:

The festive season should be a wonderful, happy and caring time for us and the people we care most about. If you or a loved one require any assistance this holiday period or for a festive occasion, Homage’s Care Professionals are trained and equipped to provide a range of support measures to ensure the end-of-year season is inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

From holiday meal preparation to support with transportation for companionship services to checking in on a loved one, our Care Professionals are here to support your holiday needs. 

Book your free consultation and plan ahead for a smooth start to the festive season.