BUDWEIS 2028
AND ACCESSIBILITY

What we do and how we do it:

We strive to make everyone feel welcome and able to enjoy our events.

We do this through:

• Accessible events and spaces: We ensure that everything is as accessible as possible, from the moment you search for information about the program to the experience itself. This includes barrier-free spaces, sign language interpretation, audio descriptions, and assistance from a trained team of volunteers.

• Learning from people with personal experience and experts: We work with people who have personal or professional experience with disability and accessibility.

• Accessibility procedures and standards: We create materials that help us and the entire cultural sector to be more accessible.

• Training: We share our know-how with our partners during training sessions so that we can work together to prepare accessible communication and programs  in accessible spaces.

• Language accessibility: We strive to ensure that information is available in sign language, with subtitles, in easy-to-read text, and in other languages.

• Testing and improvement: We regularly collect feedback and use it to adjust the accessibility of events and online content.

How does the Alliance for Accessibility work?

The Alliance for Accessibility meets regularly to:

• provide advice on projects and ideas within the Budweis 2028 framework,

• share knowledge and experience,

• test new ways to improve accessibility,

• work on long-term solutions for accessibility in culture.

Members of the Alliance for Accessibility:

• Šarlota Polášková, Accessibility Coordinator, Budweis 2028

• Denisa Kroupová, Caritas Budweis

• Jan Borovanský, Evoluce – South Bohemian Center for Czech Sign Language

• Veronika Míková, Special Education Center for Visually Impaired Children

• Lucie Novotná, Tichý Svět

• Zdenka Kohoutová, Early Childhood Intervention Society

• Helena Kočová and Marek Muller, Czech National Disability Council

• Zdeněk Toušek and Veronika Beránková, The Student Support Centre for Students with Special Needs at University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice

• Marek Wohlgemuth, ARPIDA, center for the rehabilitation of people with disabilities

• Adam Tomáš, self-advocate with visual impairment, focusing on accessibility of public spaces

• Bára Sedláčková, malířka, student of Social and Charity Work, Faculty of Theology at University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, electric wheelchair user

• Aleš Jurčička, graphic designer and athlete, electric wheelchair user

• Michaela Eliášová, student of Education of Individuals with Visual Disability (a pedagogical discipline dealing with the education and development of persons with visual impairments)

Do you want to join the Alliance?

• The Alliance for Accessibility is open to anyone who wants to make the cultural environment in South Bohemia more inclusive.

• Write to us at sarlota@budejovice2028.cz and we will be happy to invite you to our next meeting.

What are we currently working on?

• We are planning to map cultural institutions and describe their accessibility.

• We are creating a guide to accessible institutions and events in the region.

• Together with our partners, we are preparing pilot accessible cultural events that will inspire others.

• We are developing accessibility standards for Budweis 2028, which we will share with other European Capitals of Culture.

What have we prepared so far?

To support cultural organizations and our project partners, we have created materials that help improve the accessibility of cultural spaces and events. 

These include:

• Accessibility checklist: A guide to help you assess and improve the accessibility of your cultural venue or event space.

• Guidelines for creating accessible websites: Basic procedures for ensuring the accessibility of your website.

• Event accessibility description template: A simple template that helps cultural organizations describe the accessibility of their venues and events in a way that is clear and practical for the public.

We are currently in a testing mode, and the above materials are available internally to partners of Budweis 2028. If you are not a partner organization but are interested in the materials, please contact us.

Need help or advice?

We understand that the path to greater accessibility brings challenges and may require support. We are here to help you! 

We are happy to offer workshops and training to help you better understand how to use accessibility tools and how to meet accessibility standards. If you would like to participate, please contact us.

We care about your opinion and needs

For us, accessibility is a journey we are learning together with you. Your feedback helps us do things better.

We would love to hear your opinions and needs. We welcome any suggestions on how we can make our events, spaces, and online content more accessible. Whether it's physical access, communication, online resources, or anything else, your opinion is important to us.

1️⃣ Send us an e-mail at sarlota@budejovice2028.cz (including a video in sign language).

2️⃣ In person at our office at Nádražní 6, České Budějovice: Make an appointment by e-mail at sarlota@budejovice2028.cz.

3️⃣ In person during Budweis 2028 events where you can meet our team or volunteers.

4️⃣ Fill out our form with suggestions, comments, or experiences.

What happens to your feedback?

We share it within the team so we can improve our processes based on it. We're committed to responding to all your suggestions - and engaging your voice in creating a more inclusive culture.

Thank you for helping us create the European Capital of Culture 2028 that is open to all!