The Philosophers’ Yard Accommodations and Disability Policy

At the Philosophers’ Yard, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive environment where everyone can feel welcomed and heard. This includes disabled people/people with disabilities and others who may need accommodations. The Philosophers’ Yard understands that disability is a heterogenous category where everyone has a different relationship with it. Thus, this document has been written in such a way to reflect this.

Accommodations

Below is a list of accommodations that the Philosophers’ Yard already puts in place:

  1. The Exchange is fully accessible to wheelchair users and other mobility differences/limitations, with a ramp into the building. Commonly, events are held on the bottom floor with no steps between the main entrance and the room. There is also easy access to disabled toilets.

  2. Exhale Conscious Bar (which hosts our meetups) has wheelchair accessibility via a ramp. However, there are a set of stairs between the main meeting space on the ground floor and the toilets.

  3. Each event at the Exchange is also held online on Zoom for those who would prefer it over an in-person experience. Zoom close captioning is available on request for those with hearing differences/impairments, which can be projected on the screen for those who attend in person.

  4. Assistance animals are welcome. Pre-notification is ideal but not essential.

  5. There is a designated space at the back of The Exchange and the meeting area in Exhale, for standing and movement for those who would prefer not to sit still for the entire duration of the event.

  6. Fidget toys are welcome.

  7. There is ample space in the Exchange to take social and sensory breaks away from the main event and there is a designated prayer room.

  8. Individuals are welcome to leave events early if required.

  9. The Philosophers’ Yard aims to offer a variety of refreshments for different dietary requirements. If you have any specific requests or severe allergies, please notify the team in advance of the event by emailing thephilosophersyard@gmail.com.

  10. When requested, the Philosophers’ Yard can use Padlet to allow those with social anxiety or communication differences/limitations to share their thoughts or questions.

If We Cannot Accommodate

Due to the size of the organisation, there may be times where we do not have the resources to accommodate an individual’s request. We sincerely apologise for this. In scenarios where this does happen, we will send an email explaining why we are unable to make an accommodation.

Accommodation Requests

The list above is not meant to be exhaustive. If there is a specific accommodation you would like to request or think should be added to the list, please email The Philosophers’ Yard at thephilosophersyard@gmail.com.

Telling Us You Have a Disability

There are times when individuals may feel more comfortable if the team are aware of a particular disability. However, this is not compulsory.

If you would find it helpful for the team to know about a specific disability or medical condition, then please email us at thephilosophersyard@gmail.com. Within the email, please specify:

  • What you would like the team to know (the disability or condition or a specific characteristic of it, a brief explanation of how you experience it, etc.)

  • How this could impact on your experience of the event and relevant accommodations

  • Who you would like to know the information

  • That you give consent for the information to be passed on to the relevant individuals

As a team, we make sure that all information is kept confidential and on a need-to-know basis to ensure your privacy is maintained.

Discrimination and Harassment

You can find details about how the Philosophers’ Yard seeks to create a safe space in our Code of Conduct.

If there is an incident during one of our events, please speak to a member of staff immediately. Alternatively, please send us an email at thephilosophersyard@gmail.com, explaining what happened, who was involved, and any suggestions on how the Philosophers’ Yard could avoid a similar incident in the future. We will respond with what action has been taken.

Further Questions

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at thephilosophersyard@gmail.com.

Approved: January 2025

Last reviewed/updated: January 2025