Everyone has a right to free speech and political assembly, but not everyone has the access. Disabled people are frequently left out of activist discussions and events. Our perspectives are often not wanted, and our presence not missed. If inclusivity and accessibility matter to you, please consider all the ways you can include disabled people. 

• When online, avoid using color schemes that are hard to read, such as white on a pastel color – my personal pet peeve. Colors on backgrounds that strain the eye can induce headaches and rainbow colored text is often unreadable for screen readers. This site has examples of color combos to avoid clashing.

• Use image descriptions so that blind and visually impaired users can access the content. 

• Video content should always be captioned for the deaf, hard of hearing, and those with auditory processing disorder.

• When planning an event, make sure every aspect is wheelchair accessible.

• Events with speakers should have sign language translators. If they are not available, consider using a PowerPoint display or handouts with the speech, which can also be helpful for those with auditory processing disorder or English as a second language.

• If there is food, consider potential food allergies and triggers. You can ask smaller groups what foods to avoid or make available. However, for larger events you should have as many options as feasible and a full ingredient list for those who need to know what’s in the food, including warnings for potential cross-contamination.

• Make sure disabled seating is available, including at least one companion, and reserve enough spots for wheelchair access.

• If there is a line to your event, provide seating for disabled people in line. 

• For bigger events, having a quiet room/area for neurodivergent and disabled people to decompress would be extremely helpful.

• If your event includes an activity, like a march, plan for some basic needs such as water, ice packs, electrolytes, and snacks.

• Make sure bathrooms are easily available and accessible – Portable toilets (AKA Porta-Potties) are available in wheelchair accessible sizes.

• Provide as many details of an event as possible. If there’s a march, include things like distance, route, terrain, and bathroom stops.

• Any large event should have basic first aid available should it be needed.

• Don’t wear perfumes or scented products and discourage use by attendees. Many disabled people are extremely sensitive to smells, especially scented products. Use of potentially irritating cleaning products (bleach, ammonia and ammonia compounds, scented cleaning agents) should preferably be avoided or minimized. Refer to this CDC article for information on safer cleaning.

• Have mobility aides available for rent if possible. Many disabled people don’t have or need a wheelchair for their everyday life, but standing outside all day for a rally is not possible without one.

• At minimum, have an 8-10 passenger van to carry disabled people in marches. I was once at a march that had a small car for this purpose; it filled fast and I could not access it. 

• Arrange for rides for disabled people to and from events. Transportation can be a huge barrier to attending events.

• If at all possible, set up web access for your event through a video conference or stream. Many disabled people are home- or bed-bound and deserve access nonetheless.

• Consider low-key events to go with high-energy ones. For instance, for a rally you might have a sign-making party beforehand that could be more a enjoyable way to participate for someone with certain disabilities that make attending a rally impossible.

Lastly, the most important suggestion I can give you is to ask your fellow disabled members, volunteers, and attendees what they need to make meetings and events more accessible. Guidelines are great, but some needs are very specific to lesser-known disabilities. Make a habit of asking for and be willing to accept feedback so everyone can participate equitably.