Accessibility Blog

 

Check out this blog from our Accessibility initiative all about the meaning and importance of accessibility:

Common Misconceptions About Accessibility

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions regarding accessibility. Some critics falsely argue that only a small portion of people have disabilities. Thus, these critics believe taking steps towards accessibility is unnecessary. However, this idea is unfounded because an estimated one billion people across the world have a disability. Many people also erroneously think that making events or products accessible will be extremely costly and time consuming. However, there are innovative ways to make things accessible to everyone. In reality, ensuring that a product and event is accessible is an excellent investment. Accessibility fosters an equitable environment. Thus, companies should strive to make their products and events accessible to all. Finally, some people attempt to put the responsibility of accessibility on those who need it. This assertion is not only unethical, but also illogical. If events or products are inaccessible, then certain individuals will be unable to fully participate. It is evident that there are many benefits to accessibility, and it should be a priority of all people whether they are designing a website or planning an event.   

The Need For Accessibility 

Hello, my name is Zane Landin. I am a first-year member of the Young Leaders Council. I am really passionate about mental health, disability, and organizational culture. There is genuinely a solid need to lead with accessibility and universal design. We cannot continue to ignore people with disabilities and making something accessible is the first step to creating an equitable world for people with disabilities. Accessibility can no longer be an afterthought. 

Accessibility is closely related to disability justice because, without accessibility, there isn't justice, equity, inclusivity, and diversity. Being accessible won't only support people with disabilities; it will benefit everyone. It must be embedded in regular business practices, design, and all aspects of life. This will remove these barriers, and people of all backgrounds and disabilities will have more opportunities to be included and considered.

The Inaccessibility Cycle depicts how something inaccessible leads to people with disabilities not being considered. 

Inaccessibility Cycle:

1. It begins with something being inaccessible.

2. People with disabilities are unable to participate. 

3. They won't be visible to the public.

4. People with disabilities will be seen as outliers/rarities.

5. People without disabilities won't think there is a need to consider them. 

Below is an example:

1. A blind person using a screen reader can't read the event flier because it doesn't include alternative text.

2. The person cannot access the event information and can't participate.

3. Since this person and others won't attend the event, they won't be seen by others. 

4. Because they don't regularly see people with disabilities, they will consider them as different or outliers when there are so many people with disabilities in reality.

5. The people who planned the event don't think they need to consider people with disabilities because they aren't interacting with them.

Accessibility is essential to creating a more equitable world for people with disabilities. Making something accessible can dramatically transform the experience of someone with a disability. 

Inaccessibility: Personal Experience 

Hello, my name is Vanessa Ocana. I am a second-year member of the Young Leaders Council. I was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy, a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance or posture. Cerebral means having to do with the brain. Palsy means weakness or problems using the muscle. Symptoms of cerebral palsy can be both visible and invisible. According to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF) Thirty percent use a wheelchair. Additionally, ten percent use a walker. 

One of the challenges I have experienced at Best Buddies is the Friendship Walk. The route itself is accessible for individuals who use a walker or a wheelchair. However, the space where Opening and Closing Ceremonies take place is inaccessible. I was given 7 minutes to deliver a speech. The Director of Development and I failed to consider the amount of time it would take to maneuver through the grass and onto the stage. I became aware of this when I heard someone in the crowd say, “Where is the speaker? Are they in a wheelchair or something?” The look on their face when they realized I would be speaking at the Friendship Walk was priceless. All eyes were on me as I walked in a walker through the grass. What they do not see is the post event recovery from pushing a walker through the grass. 

While I applaud Best Buddies' efforts in creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), accessibility does not end there. Accessibility also means removing barriers so that everyone no matter their ability has an opportunity to enjoy Best Buddies events. Giving participants an opportunity to share how the organization can improve accessibility and events. Followed by taking action based on the feedback provided. For example, securing venues that are accessible for all. 

The world was not designed with accessibility in mind. However, it does not have to stay that way. Let's all work together so the needs of every participant are represented when planning Best Buddies events. Join the Young Leaders Council and their commitment to making Best Buddies accessible for all by doing your part to ensure chapter events are accessible to everyone!

Chapter Event Accessibility Tips 

These 10 tips come from conversations we have had with Best Buddies participants with disabilities and their experiences and things they feel would help them and others. 

1. Have your members fill out a survey at the beginning of the year with any accessibility needs they may have so you can plan ahead.

2. For out of school events and outings, make sure you look at the event venue ahead of time to ensure it’s accessible for all.

3. Talk to your advisor before the event to make sure there isn’t anything you’re forgetting.

4. Have multiple ways of communicating event logistics ahead of time: emails, group me messages, send paper forms home, etc.

5. Have someone translate messages and communications to other languages that members and their families speak.

6. Have captions for any videos that you show or have an ASL interpreter at the event- if it is a Zoom event turn on live captions. 

7. Use large print for any forms or powerpoint presentations. 

8. Have a sensory friendly option or room at the event.

9. Be mindful of the sensory conditions in your space- avoid flashing or strobe lights and be mindful of how loud any music is.  

10. For any games or activities, explain the instructions verbally and have a written or printed copy available for members to read.

For more information on these tips, we highly encourage everyone to visit the Best Buddies YLC YouTube Channel and watch 10 Ways to Make Your Chapter Events More Accessible.