What on Earth is an “Access Statement”?
Access Statements are the forgotten foundation of disability inclusion. This post is all about them - and why they're a non-negotiable essential for your workplace and beyond.
Access Statements
I'm sure you've seen it - that venue, event, or activity that calls itself "fully accessible". What you might not see is that, for disabled people, this is a Massive Red Flag (or MRF, if you're fancy) 🚩.
Why is the term "fully accessible" a MRF?
Well, as disabled people, we tend to be fully aware that there is no such thing as "fully accessible"!
Different disabled people have different, sometimes conflicting needs, and what may be accessible for one person could be completely inaccessible for another.
Example:
Someone with chronic migraines may need low lighting to be able to fully engage, whereas someone with a visual impairment may find it far harder to see in dim light.
When organisations describe their venues or activities as “fully accessible”, we know it’s simply not true.
Either the organisation is unaware enough about disability to believe that "fully accessible" is possible (in which case they won’t have considered all our needs), or they’re using it as shorthand for “we’ve got a portable ramp”, which doesn’t even begin to make something accessible.
So what’s the alternative?
Enter the Access Statement.
What is an Access Statement?
An Access Statement is an objective and honest description of the current state of accessibility.
Access Statements must be:
Completely factual,
Comprehensive and detailed,
Not misleading,
Accessible, and
Published prior to the event in multiple locations and formats.
This enables attendees to be prepared for the state of accessibility they will face when they arrive.
What should be included?
Everything! A statement that details accessible AND inaccessible features is essential. It’s so much more helpful to know what you’ll be faced with upfront, especially if the state of accessibility is far from perfect.
You should include information on:
Facilities, such as bathrooms, induction loops, ramps, door widths, and table heights
Getting to and from venues or events, including (accessible) transport options
Sign language interpreters and captions
Flashing lights and photography, poor air quality, or background music
Measures in place to support neurodivergent people (and those with mental health conditions) e.g., quiet rooms, mental health first aiders, and traffic-light lanyards to indicate communication preferences
Catering options for those with allergies or intolerances
Evacuation and emergency procedures
And more!
Sounds like a lot of work?
Sure, but if you are committed to accessibility it’s got to happen. It can be intimidating (and confronting) to write up an Access Statement and realise how much inaccessibility exists, but realising it is the first step to addressing it.
A good Access Statement isn’t necessarily one that reveals perfect accessibility - it’s one that allows us to make an informed decision about whether we will actually be able to take part.
There is nothing worse than being promised accessibility, turning up, and being let down. It can cause hurt, disappointment, a sense of indignity, anxiety, embarrassment, and (justified) anger.
Giving us the information in advance helps us to make our own choices, make needed adjustments clear, and alleviate the extreme anxiety associated with anticipated inaccessibility and discrimination.
If you feel a sense of dread about putting together an Access Statement, let me know - I can help you out (see my handy Services Spotlight below!)
Advocating for accessibility
Now, the reason you've probably never heard of an Access Statement is because so few organisations use them. As I've hopefully explained, the benefits of them far outweigh the bit of extra effort required to give disabled people an equitable experience (or at least have the decency to let us know when that isn't possible).
So, here are 3 tips for advocating for accessibility:
Ask for an Access Statement. Yep, even if you don't need it. This will make organisations aware that there is a demand for them to produce this guidance, and that accessibility is a matter of public interest
Notice inaccessibility, and bring it up. If your venue or office is up a step, ask why. If your local bar doesn't have an induction loop, ask why. Point out that their inaccessibility will exclude the 24% of the (UK) population who has a disability from using their services (and that they have a legal responsibility to make adjustments for disabled people in most countries)
Educate yourself on accessibility and what rights disabled people have by law in your country - recognise when these rights are denied, and challenge it. By being here, reading this, you're taking a great first step!
Services Spotlight
Access Statement Writing and Review
Feeling overwhelmed or need some help?
I’ve got you. I offer Access Statement writing and review as part of my consultancy services.
I’ll provide you with:
A comprehensive list of things to consider and include
A reusable Access Statement template with gaps to fill in your own detail
Tips for improving accessibility, and
An overview of your legal obligations
Request my Consulting Brochure to find out more about my approach and services. If you're looking for something bespoke, just get in touch!
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