One of the challenges that individuals with disabilities face is a lack of accessibility. From physical environments to digital landscapes, advocating for accessibility in your community is a significant way to promote inclusivity for all. Because everyone deserves to feel safe, welcomed and included in their environment.
Reflect on Common Practices
From using our cell phones, to walking up and down the stairs, we take many everyday actions for granted. The unfortunate truth is that many public spaces are not accessible to everyone. In order to understand what aspects of accessibility can be improved upon, it’s important to reflect on our common practices. In turn, creating and maintaining accessible spaces make them welcoming to everyone, including those with disabilities. These common practices can include basic accessibility accommodations such as:
- Physical adjustments – Ramps, handrails, elevators, wheelchair-accessible spaces, etc.
- Digital accessibility – Video/audio captions, symbol usage, speech recognition, etc.
- Inclusivity and equal opportunity – Non-discrimination policies, community education, workplace inclusivity, etc.
Understanding these common practices is a baseline for advocating accessibility.
Support Businesses with a Mission
A great way to advocate for disability accessibility is by supporting businesses with a mission in doing so. Whether it’s a local coffee shop, grocery store, or restaurant, businesses that prioritize inclusive employment and accommodations are great advocates for the disability community. Allowing individuals with disabilities to grow their job skills and real-word experience creates a precedent amongst others to do the same. Creating meaningful opportunity is what advocating for accessibility is all about!
Advocate for Those Who Can’t
Disabilities can look differently for every individual. Whether it may be visual, auditory, or physical challenges, not everyone has the ability to self-advocate. Many individuals with disabilities face barriers that prevent them from voicing their needs or experiences. By actively listening to and engaging with individuals with disabilities, we can better understand the unique challenges they face and advocate for meaningful changes in our communities. Some ways to advocate for individuals with disabilities may include:
- Attending policy meetings
- Voicing your perspective on public or community forums
- Encouraging businesses to adapt with accessible spaces
- Connecting with local government about instilling change
- Educating others on the importance of accessibility
Advocating for a group of people is not only meaningful for those affected, but also for the betterment of the community as a whole. Promoting positive change is one of the best ways to lead an initiative for a more inclusive, compassionate community! Because everyone deserves the opportunity to live life to its fullest potential.
People First – Oshkosh Chapter
Covey is proud to work with the Oshkosh chapter of People First—a state-wide self-advocacy organization run by individuals with disabilities. Our advocacy meetings with People First aim to discuss individuals’ goals and how to accomplish them with the help of our uplifting community. Check out our event calendar for upcoming meetings.
