Thread by @annieelainey

I would really really really really appreciate if event flyers, invites, venue pages, etc. would tell you their accessibility information!

Is the venue wheelchair accessible??

Do you have sign language interpreters for performances??

Let me know ON the invite/flyer/website!!

Three times in the past 30 days: I get invited to a large public event and I have to play full-on detective to try and figure out if it is accessible, if I am welcome in the space!

Nothing on the email invite

Nothing on the website

Venue never answers the phone or their messages

One email said "The 1st floor SHOULD be accessible"

🤔

That doesn't make me feel safe to leave my house.

That I could arrive somewhere and have to turn right back around or miss out because they are not accessible.

(And honestly, it's Y'ALL that miss out when I'm not there! 💃)

It takes so much energy for me to get out of bed, get dressed, make the journey, particularly as a chronically ill person with chronic pain & fatigue...

But the limited time and energy I have to do something, I want to have fun, I want to feel WELCOME! Not merely tolerated.

And it's not just wheelchair accessibility and sign language interpreters, there are so many things that should be listed like if the show or event will be using strobe lights or other disorienting light effects.

Will there be fog machines?

What kind of chemicals are used?

Events/venues should have a page specifically for accessibility and if possible, aspire to have a specific point of contact for it as well!

@AffectConf is a SHINING example!

Quick info on the main page followed by a full page: affectconf.com/accessibility
Included onsite

 childcare

 a quiet room

 live captioning

 all-gender restrooms

Need more info?" src="/images/1px.png" data-src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DhggLYxU8AAdQzv.jpg">

I need you all to get with the program.

In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act passed in 1990 (long overdue), granting disabled Americans accessibility as a human right but... it's still a DAMN MESS.

If after 28 YEARS you're still not accessible...

[Gif: Judge Judy impatiently tapping on her wrist]

But also if you're not accessible... you're only adding to your evil by allowing us to come to your door to be turned away.

Have your information available and easy to find.

#TheFutureIsAccessible