Accessibility
Broadly, accessibility describes something that can be accessed by as many people as possible. Most often, accessibility is thought of in relation to disability, but as the definition suggests, accessibility applies to, and is important for, everyone, not just disabled people. I like to think of the things someone needs to facilitate access as their access needs. Access needs, among other things, may include:
digital/ web- e.g. high contrast background and text, image descriptions, video/audio captions
physical- e.g. wider door or walkways, ramps, dietary adjustments
sensory- e.g. quiet spaces
psychological- e.g. pronoun sharing
communication- e.g. communication devices, reduced eye contact
Access needs may also include things you may not have thought much about before, such as patience and slowing down (more here), so have a think and don’t be afraid to keep adjusting- your access needs can change and evolve, just as you do.
Accessibility and your access needs being met are important, because these provisions are also closely correlated with safety. Without a ramp or lift, a wheelchair user cannot safely access a space with different levels. When pronouns are not shared by everyone, it carries the potential to retraumatise people who identify as gender diverse through misgendering or being singled out. Additionally, accessibility is simply a sign of respect. As an example, take a look at this powerful scene from Netflix series Sex Education.
Another example of accessibility, for a disabled actor on a film set, is described in this article, which also serves to illustrate how accessibility can facilitate representation, another super important thing.
While accessibility can include some general, overarching measures (like the presence of ramps alongside stairs at building entrances), accessibility is also something that can be extraordinarily individual and is generally different for everyone. You are the expert in you and you will know better than anyone what access needs you have and how these access needs can best be met. Access needs may be met by things you do independently, things provided for you, support from others, or a combination of these. You might like to consider completing an access rider, which is a kind of statement that details the access needs you have (sign up to our Community Newsletter by the 14th January to receive a template in the January 2025 edition) to help explain your access needs to others.
Here at Illuminating Insights, we are always learning. We try our best to do our homework, but we’re also super open to and welcoming of any feedback on how we might be able to improve our accessibility, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch!