Hello,
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about one of the best ways you can be an ally to disabled people, which is to ask: what do you need to make this work for you?
If you missed the piece, I hope you’ll read it now, as I really do believe that this questions holds a lot of change-making power.
However, there is also a major thing you can do around access that is a) free, and b) doesn’t first require input from disabled people.
Give us information.
So often, one of the major hurdles for disabled people wanting to go somewhere or do something is just finding out if we can access it. We have to piece together info from different websites, scour StreetView, and spend an inordinate amount of time trying to get through to venues on the phone. If you can save us that hassle, even by telling us that something isn’t accessible, you are doing a good thing for disabled people.
(By the way, this is equally true whether you are arranging dinner with your mates - where a simple ‘I called and checked we can go’ makes a world of difference - or organising a big event.)
When I talk to people about providing this info, though, there is often a sense of hesitation. When I dig into that, I often find it’s because they don’t feel confident deciding if something is ‘accessible’ or because they don’t know what info to provide.
Before I address the second issue, let me reassure you about the first. You don’t have to! In fact, arguably you shouldn’t. Disabled people are so varied that no two of us have exactly the same needs, meaning that, actually, there is no such thing as ‘accessible’ or not. There is simply ‘accessible for someone’. Hence, providing the right information so each of us can decide for ourselves if something meets our needs.
Which takes us back to the question of what info we should be providing, especially if you’re in hospitality or events.
Let me preface this list with some caveats. These are just things to think about and communicate to people. You are not expected to provide all of them (remember, nothing will ever be completely accessible for everyone), but obviously the more you can tick off, the better. You do not even need to mention all of these things for every single event; not all of them will be relevant. Access is a fluid thing, and so is this list.
With that understanding, let’s look at the list. You’ll notice that most of them are posed as questions; again, this is just designed to get you thinking, not to mandate things.
Step-free access
Is there a small step a nondisabled person might not even notice?
Is the step-free entrance different to the other one? Will it be open or will someone need to unlock it? How can someone signal they need it?
If a portable ramp is needed, will it be already out or will they have to ask for it?
Disabled loo
Is it open, locked or RADAR-keyed?
Is it big enough for a powerchair user and their PA?
Does it have grab rails and where?
Can you provide a photo?
Is there any seating available and can it be reserved?
Is there clear space under tables?
Is there space for a wheelchair user to navigate the venue?
Will someone need to use a lift or platform lift?
What will the general lighting and noise levels be?
Will there be strobe, flashing or moving lights?
Will there be a quieter area and how is it accessed?
Will there be re-entry if someone needs to step out for a bit?
How busy are you expecting it to be?
Can you be really clear about what kind of event it is? E.g. a club night, social, etc. Can people come alone?
Are there free PA tickets available and how do people ask for them?
Can people contact you with more specific access questions and are there a few ways for them to do this (depending on how they like to communicate)?
Are there image descriptions on your social posts?
Is there any blue badge parking?
Are there any Covid measures in place?
Is there any part of the event that can happen online for people who can't attend?
Is there a hearing loop?
Are you providing a BSL interpreter for presentations/performances?
This might look like a long list, but the questions are easy enough to answer. And when you provide those answers, you empower disabled people and foster inclusion. Sometimes the very fact that someone has mentioned accessibility on an event listing makes me feel welcome; even if maybe the access isn’t perfect for me, I’m still more willing to go if I know the organiser cares.
Information is power, please share it with us.
Speak soon,
Lucy
Women's lives are shaped by sexism and expectations. Disabled people's lives are shaped by ableism and a complete lack of expectations. But what happens when you're subjected to both sets of rules?
This powerful, honest, hilarious and furious memoir from journalist and advocate Lucy Webster looks at life at the intersection; the struggles, the joys and the unseen realities of being a disabled woman. From navigating the worlds of education and work, dating and friendship; to managing care; contemplating motherhood; and learning to accept your body against a pervasive narrative that it is somehow broken and in need of fixing, The View From Down Here shines a light on what it really means to move through the world as a disabled woman.
This post was outstanding! It'll never be possible to give a full list of all types of accessibility, but you have sure gone a long way toward that. Thanks as always for the insights and thought-provoking perspective.
This is such a well thought out list! The best access info I ever saw was at the Arvon writing retreats - they have videos on the website so I could see the whole site where I'd be staying, and get a full sense of whether it'll work for me, individually.