Recently, I was invited to a holiday party that I was excited about going too. I had anticipated my outfit, hairdo, and even my fragrance. Imagine my saltiness when I was later informed the venue where the party was being held was up a flight of steps?
I was also informed that if I still wanted to come, the host would get a few to carry me and my scooter up the steps, which I quickly, but respectfully declined.
Why would I let people risk not only my safety, but also their own by carrying me up a flight of steps, especially while I’m looking oh so fly? Not me. Plus, it’s the whole dignity/independent thing for me. If I can’t roll into a party venue, as some of you walk in, I’m not going.
I bring this topic to you to encourage you, as you begin planning your holiday festivities, to keep disability inclusion in mind.
Not sure if you have friends/colleagues with disabilities (if you don’t, you’re missing out), but if you do, we like being involved in holiday festivities. Even if you have no friends/colleagues with disabilities, you probably have family members that do. Accessibility and accommodations can make your event enjoyable for all. This also helps you with the emotion to have empathy for others, for one day you will want the same reciprocated.
One of my colleagues, Dr. Kara Ayers, gives a presentation on the word equity and the meaning behind it regarding disabilities. It’s a wonderful presentation; equity means, the quality of being fair and impartial. This definition sounds so simple when thinking about it during the holiday season. I see it as just a staple in the world that everything is accessible to everyone.
Venues should have accessible wheelchair entrance and exit. There should be at least one accessible bathroom stall, an adult changing station, and a few accessible parking spaces. Electric doors/push button doors are a must.
A verity of food options for people with food allergies or texture concerns would be nice. There should always be a few lowered tables at your venue. And your venue should always be welcoming to service animals. I’m sure I missed a few accessibilities, so feel free to add to the list.
I also know I probably sound like a broken record, but I’m cool with that for if it’s broken that means it’s been played often, and everyone knows that tune.
I’ll keep blogging about this topic yearly in some form until I see results. In the meantime, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season while enjoying festivities that are inclusive to all.
P.S. I’m going to find somewhere to wear my outfit. It’s too cute to sit in my closet!
Thank you! I will share this blog post far and wide. It is such a simple concept that is surprisingly not as well practiced as it should be. . . And knowing you, I am sure the outfit is too cute to sit in your closet and you will find somewhere to wear it!
Thanks, Jennifer!
Happy Holidays!
Amen to all that was said
Thanks, Don!
Happy Holidays
Good Afternoon Shari,
I always enjoy your blog because you share such impactful information. I think it is imperative we all understand Inclusion is for everyone. Thank you again for this lovely message.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thanks, Sharon!
Happy Holidays!
Unfortunately, over the summer I had a similar situation, but it was a summertime event, being hosted by a diversity and inclusion, focused organization, which made it worse. Because I work from home this was an exciting opportunity for me to go out and mix and mingle amongst other.DEI leaders and yes, as you know, it is another opportunity to get dressed, and be seen :-). I got all the way to the venue only to realize there were several steps to get into the brownstone building/house. The president of the organization came out and was regrettably disappointed in her self and the organization for overlooking accessibility. And, like your story, they offered to carry me on the house, and lift my chair without realizing the true weight of the chair. In order to maintain my dignity, I respectfully declined and went home and shared the experience with several who would listen and understand.
TyKiah,
Thanks for sharing your story, Hopefully the more we share, the more we’ll make people more aware.
Happy Holidays
P.S. I know you were looking super cute 🙂