Accessibility & Inclusion Policy

Our commitment

Obsera exists to improve understanding of women's health and lived experience. We want our Membership, digital services, research opportunities and physical experiences to be as inclusive and accessible as reasonably possible.

We are committed to treating people fairly and to continually improving accessibility across the Obsera website and digital platform, Founding Digital Membership content and conversations, Membership communications, events and experiences, research participation, and activities at The Observatory and River Arts Club.

We recognise that accessibility needs are different for different people and that not every barrier is visible.

Digital accessibility

As Obsera develops, we aim to make our digital services easy to understand, navigate and use.

Our approach includes considering clear language and page structure, readable typography and colour contrast, keyboard navigation, screen-reader compatibility, alternative text for meaningful images, captions or transcripts for appropriate video and audio content, accessible forms, and usability across different devices and screen sizes.

Our goal is to work towards recognised accessibility good practice, including relevant WCAG standards, as Obsera develops.

Because Obsera is currently at an early stage of development, some areas may not yet meet our intended accessibility standard. We welcome feedback about barriers so that they can be prioritised as part of development.

Physical accessibility

The Observatory operates within River Arts Club, a character property with existing architectural features. This means some areas may present accessibility limitations.

We will be transparent about known limitations and will make reasonable adjustments wherever reasonably possible.

Before attending, Members and visitors are encouraged to tell us about accessibility requirements so we can discuss the available options.

This could include requirements relating to step-free access, seating or rest breaks, mobility, hearing or vision, neurodivergence or sensory needs, dietary requirements, pregnancy, communication, or other reasonable adjustments.

Events and experiences

We aim to design events so that as many people as reasonably possible can participate.

Where a particular activity or part of the venue is not accessible, we will try to identify a reasonable alternative where possible.

We will not intentionally exclude someone from participation because they have requested a reasonable adjustment.

Digital alternatives

Where appropriate and reasonably possible, we may offer digital participation or alternative materials where someone cannot participate in an in-person activity because of an accessibility barrier.

Not every physical experience can be replicated digitally, but we will consider reasonable alternatives.

Research accessibility

We want opportunities to contribute to Obsera's research and learning to be accessible to a broad range of women.

Where possible, we will consider accessibility when designing surveys, research materials, participant communications and Observatory activities.

Specific research studies may have eligibility criteria dictated by the research question or protocol. These criteria are separate from Membership membership and will be explained to potential participants.

Reasonable adjustments

We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments.

To discuss an adjustment confidentially, please contact hello@riverartsobservatory.com.

Please tell us what would help rather than feeling that you need to provide unnecessary medical information.

Feedback

Accessibility is an ongoing process, particularly while Obsera is being developed.

If something is difficult to access, understand or use, please tell us. Feedback from Members will help us improve both Obsera and the wider Membership experience.

Contact: hello@riverartsobservatory.com.

Questions about this document? Contact hello@riverartsobservatory.com.