Conversation

So I really want to know how people are going to care for disabled folks in their communities going forward.

Are you going to include us?

Are you going to ask what our needs are and help us meet those needs?

Are you going to listen to us and always ask for our consent before you do Anything to assist us?

Are you going to make your events and activities accessible?

It's not enough to just make it physically accessible. Just because there's a ramp doesn't mean it's actually accessible.

To be fully accessible, you need to consider:

1. Physical Space -- Safety such as Air Filtration devices and mask wearing due to the fact most disabled folks are immuno-compromised. (Masks also are anti-fascist and make it harder to identify if the mask is a simply color like black or white). Are the doors easily opened without need of pushing or pulling? Ramps? Spaced out chairs, so wheelchairs can fit neatly into a spot instead of being relegated to back of room?

2. Digital space -- is there captions, transcripts, ASL translators? Are these easy to access? Is there a place transcripts are saved so those who run-out of energy and must leave earlier can read the transcripts in full?

3. Information space -- is there ways to contact one another and access documents that are easy to find? Is the documents set up for screenreaders to easily read? Are transcripts readily available and free of emojis and symbols to avoid tripping up screenreaders?

4. Transportation space -- is there places to park for us to easily exit vehicles? Are there people willing to pick us up and possibly leave earlier if we are unable to stay the entire time due to health? Are there people assigned roles to assist disabled folks who ask for help reaching the event?

5. Justice space -- are disabled people included in the organizing of the event? Are you utilizing the talents we offer? Are we included in the speaker line-up if there is one? Are you including Black or Indigenous Disabled people? Are you utilizing a diverse group of people's talents?

6. Sensory space -- does the event have a designated quiet area for people to go if overwhelmed so that they can recover and return to the main event? Is fragrances heavily discouraged to avoid triggering asthmatic attacks or allergic reactions? Is there simple-to-eat, gluten-free, and/or vegan options for those with dietary restrictions or texture issues?

Seriously, do the above and not only have you made your event/activity inclusive for disabled people, but you've also opened it up for all people who may need similar things but don't think they are allowed to ask for it.

If we aren't inclusive and accessible in our fight for liberation, then we are not engaging in liberation. We're just repeating oppressive tactics on our most vulnerable.

So really think hard about these questions. Talk it over with your organization, group, friends. Go over them slowly - don't rush this.

And please try not to leave disabled folks to die and rot again. We're just as important and worthy of life as any of you.

Thanks for reading. Good day

#Accessibility #Disability #Inclusion #Organizing