A note on accessibility

If you’re lucky enough never to have had a mobility concern, you might not think twice about the current set up for most large protests. However, if organizers and fellow protesters want to truly be inclusive, they should keep accessibility in mind.

If there’s a main area with speakers, create an open space in front with a clear path to access it. If you’re organizing a march, make sure volunteers are reminded to be aware of accessibility issues and possibly approach the protester with an offer to assist them during the march by making extra space, clearing the path of large obstacles, identifying locations where they could protest from the sidewalk as the march walks by, etc. By expanding your awareness of others’ potential needs, you can make social justice activism more inclusive.

Some resources:

• DREDF’s “Protesting While Disabled” pocket guide

• Tips and checklists for making protest accessible on The Commons