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Art of Accessibility

 In life the universe or God sends us down certain paths if we pay attention and lately for me that path has lead me to speak up about accessibility. First of all with Global Accessibility Day in May and now with an invitation to speak at my local art gallery about disability awareness and accessibility. 

If you live with a disability in this world some of the biggest challenges you have to overcome are accessibility related. 

I have to live my life planning everything like a military operation. The first thing I have to figure out is are the places I want to go accessible and even though in the modern world by law things have to be accessible in practice that is not always possible. 

I have missed out on attending many events with friends and family because the venue simply was not accessible. 

So how can we start making things accessible? 

First of all, we need to start getting people with disabilities involved at the start of projects and have accessibility at the forefront of our minds. 

We have to take into consideration things like designs that have no steps, the freedom of movement around spaces for people with mobility issues, the width of doorways, and the height of desks and shelving. 

 It is also important to realise that no two disabilities are the same and make your events and spaces as broadly accessible as possible. 

Technology can be used to increase accessibility such as braille and audio assisted devices. 

It is also important to consider the ability to adjust the sensory environment for people that have disabilities such as Autism or anxiety related disorders such as PTSD. 

Another important part of accessibility is organisational culture and communication strategies. Creating inclusive environments that are not put off when someone with a disability enters into the room is very important.

Being able to adjust your communication style to help people with disabilities by being aware of physical levels, body language, and language difficulties is an important way to open up the environment. 

Overall I say to the community as a whole we need to make universal access our number one priority. Disability is not scary. It is time to let me in.



Let Me In


Art of all kinds leaves my face with a permanent grin;

So when I'm knocking on the door to gain access, let me in.

Universal access means galaxy wide.

You never know what sort of artistic genius we will find 

If people with disabilities no longer have to hide. 


People always talk about getting a foot in the door,

I just want to get my wheels over the threshold.

I want to ignore the access denied propaganda I have been sold.

If I am given access from the start, I am more than willing to play my part.


Wheelchair or not, accessibility will lead to social stability.

Universal access means we all win;

My wheelchair and I are knocking,

It's time to let me in.

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