PIWS Champion Training Course
Accessibility and inclusivity have taken centre stage at Eisteddfod yr Urdd as the festival embraces new strategies to ensure that all attendees, regardless of ability, can fully participate in the event experience. This commitment was reinforced by Operations Manager Lowri Morris, who recently completed a four-day PIWS Champion Training Course focused on improving accessibility at large-scale events.
With over 14 years of experience in the Urdd, Lowri stepped into her new role determined to enhance accessibility at the festival. She attended the PIWS training at the Royal Welsh Showground in February, where she engaged with experts and other event organisers, including representatives from the Royal Welsh Show and the National Eisteddfod, to share best practices and strategies.
Key Takeaways from the Training
The training provided essential insights into event planning for accessibility. Discussions covered legal accessibility requirements, improved site design, and better communication of accessibility measures to attendees. One of the biggest benefits was networking with other major event organisers in Wales, which allowed for an exchange of ideas and practical solutions to common challenges, such as improving wheelchair accessibility and ensuring clearer signage.
Following the training, Eisteddfod yr Urdd has already begun implementing key improvements:
- Enhanced Site Design: Adjustments to annual site layouts to improve mobility access.
- Improved Communication: Ensuring digital content, including websites and social media, is accessible to all users.
- Feedback Collection: Developing more detailed feedback forms to gather insights from attendees with accessibility needs.
Areas for Further Development
While progress has been made, the training also highlighted several areas requiring additional attention:
- Website Accessibility: Ensuring PDFs, images, and screen-reader compatibility meet web accessibility standards.
- Volunteer Training: Expanding accessibility training for volunteers beyond pre-event sessions to better equip them to support attendees with disabilities.
- Digital and Social Media Content: Guaranteeing all content, including videos, is accessible with subtitles and alternative text.
A Long-Term Accessibility Strategy
Eisteddfod yr Urdd is now committed to a structured accessibility strategy over the next three to five years. Plans include:
- Assessing current accessibility measures to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Setting clear goals within budget constraints to ensure sustainable enhancements.
- Prioritising staff and volunteer training to embed accessibility awareness at all levels.
- Enhancing public communication to inform attendees about available accessibility features.
The Road Ahead
While immediate results may take time to manifest, Lowri anticipates long-term benefits, including greater engagement with the accessibility community, stronger public relations, and improved feedback mechanisms to measure success. She also expressed interest in further training on digital accessibility, legal compliance, and event-specific accessibility workshops to refine Eisteddfod yr Urdd’s approach. “The PIWS training has been instrumental in shaping our future approach to accessibility,” Lowri stated. “By working collaboratively with other events and prioritising inclusive practices, we can create a festival that welcomes everyone.”
For more information on Eisteddfod yr Urdd’s accessibility initiatives, visit www.piws.co.uk or check their event updates at Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2025.
