FYI it's actually a lot of work to explain when things are inaccessible for me, why that is, and what can be done. It's labor that takes away my time, enthusiasm, and patience. 1/7
And so when I point out inaccessibility, I expect the solution to be one of shared labor. I've already gone above and beyond, esp when intervening in things that should have been caught by basic accessible event planning. 2/7
It's work that forces me to disclose particularities of my disability to people I don't know, don't trust, and now have a marred relationship with. People assume that I have a mobility issue alone because I use a mobility aid. 3/7
I don't I have a multi systemic genetic disorder that is constantly fighting to destroy my organs and joints. I have more than 10 specialists in neurology, cardiology, GI, allergy, pain mgmt, and yes in orthopedics. 4/7
Some of my accommodations can be guessed at by my mobility aids. Most cannot. Regardless, I don't want to give my medical history to every admin I ever meet and every event host. It's uncomfortable. It's demoralizing. It's exhausting. It makes me feel less than. 5/7
Then I'm required to educate event planners on complex chronic illness and it's multivariable presentations. I then have to give an overview of accessible event planning. And then I have to do the emotional work of telling people "oh it's fine that you didn't know." 6/7
It's not fine. It's not fine that you shouldered this burden to me. It's not fine that I had to disclose so you would respect my needs. It's not fine that you didn't plan for accessibility. It's not fine that I have to play to your emotional needs. 7/7 #AcademicChatter
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