Dizzy has been thinking a lot about accessibility over the last week. We had to leave a position that we were really enjoying and really wanted to do because of their accessibility procedures. It was making me feel completely useless and super sad (I even forgot to buy Dizzy’s ginger nut biscuits), so we decided I had to leave. But it has got us pondering the differences between reactive (this company was very much on the reactive side) and proactive accessibility, and why proactive is so vital for everyone.
What is reactive accessibility?
Reactive accessibility focuses on responding to and solving problems as they happen. It means that issues have to be experienced and reported instead of being prevented in the first place. For example, if Dizzy needed help getting in the car (she only has little legs), with reactive accessibility, I would wait for Dizzy to raise the issue before putting a little ramp in place.
Why is this unhelpful?
- If people are put into situations that are not accessible to them, they can feel uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassed.
- It can make people feel like a burden and an inconvenience.
- People can be put into potentially dangerous situations.
- It puts complete responsibility on the individual to flag issues, even in new and unknown situations.
- These negative experiences can be both physically and mentally harmful.
- People can feel excluded and unwanted. 🙁
What is proactive accessibility?
Proactive accessibility means designing and planning with accessibility in mind from the very beginning. It prioritises inclusion and anticipates and addresses barriers from the start, so they are dealt with before they can be a problem.
Why is this vital?
- It ensures people feel valued and empowered from the start.
- People feel included and wanted.
- It prevents people from feeling different or like an outsider.
- People’s privacy and dignity are respected.
- Individuals do not have to constantly advocate for themselves, which can be exhausting.
- These adaptations help many other people, not just the ones with stated disabilities.
- People can focus on what they are doing and enjoy life.
So, what’s the overall difference?
Reacting accessibility has a core focus on problems as they arise, often meaning that the individual is put in tricky positions both physically and mentally, whilst also feeling different and as though they are requesting special treatment. However, proactive accessibility focuses on integrating these practices from the start – they are built into the very foundations and work to prevent barriers from ever being there in the first place. 🙂 This is much more beneficial for everyone, as no one is left out or made to feel different. 🙂
And it’s ok to ask! 🙂 We really don’t mind. It just shows you care. 🙂 xxxx
Accessibility is not accessibility if it makes the individual feel like a burden, feel like they are constantly having to ask for special treatment, or as though they need to keep apologising or saying thank you.
Having dealt with exactly what you are speaking on, I was curious to know how you are able to have a proactive approach in these situations. Thank you for a great read.
It is so hard! Because as the individual needing accessibility, it isn’t our responsibility. I think, if possible though, communication can really make a difference. A lot of people just don’t realise if they don’t have the lived experience. x But I realise that isn’t always easy, and in my case, it wasn’t heard. xx
Unfortunately the world is not perfect and most employers are simply involved in making as much money as possible – even if they pretend otherwise. I very much doubt if many employers would even consider being proactive. MSers have to advocate for them selves or find a way of making a living by themselves for themselves. Unfair but true.
It does sadly often seem to be the case. 🙁 And it does mean that working for ourselves is often the easier option. x This was a voluntary position, but I was still hoping for a little more proactiveness – or just some check ins. xxx
Good for you telling people in this post (something they should already know) how to be proactive as to accessibility, to anticipate issues that others might have … quite simply to put yourself in the other person’s shoes, to use an old and well-worn expression. I am sorry you weren’t able to stay and enjoy what you had anticipated participating in. Some people (and companies too) just don’t think.
It’s true. I was really upset, especially as I had been at rehearsals for months, but it was the best thing to leave – especially for my mental health. I wish people would ask and talk about these things more. 🙂 xxx
I’m sorry about that Heather and was this the fitting you had and mentioned recently – that makes it worse when you were already immersed in the project. People need to be more understanding of others and walk in another person’s shoes sometimes. {{{ hugs }}}
Oh Heather, I’m so sorry. That really, truly sucks. I’d hoped it was going well but clearly they weren’t as proactive & helpful as they should have been. I appreciate you might not want to go into details, but you did the right thing by leaving if staying was making you feel even worse. Shame on them, but they’re the ones that have lost out on a wonderful employee, and you deserve far better than the situation you were in. I wish all businesses, companies, services & employers would read your post on this as I don’t imagine many will think how much pressure, embarrassment and undue stress it puts on the individual.
Sending hugs,
Caz xxxx
I really don’t think people think about it, and they think they know how to manage accessibility, even if they don’t have the lived experience. :/ But even when I had to miss a rehearsal from being ill because of all the standing, they didn’t even ask if I was ok or if they could do anything when I got back. Just made me feel so rubbish. Someone said I should send them my post, but I’m not that brave! 🙂 xxxx
So proud of you. You’re incredible. I’m so sorry they put you in this position. It’s their loss entirely. You lead the way so others don’t have to. I love you xxxx
Thank you. xxxxx