access needs

Hello, reader.  How you doing?  I was at a disability justice workshop, which I loved.  In a quiet moment, they asked us to list our access needs.  It was fun, and I wrote a lot.

Reading over what I wrote, I notice three main categories.  I’d like to show my list to you.

Maybe you could learn about me or other disabled friends by seeing it spelled out, what our access needs could be.  Or maybe you could learn about yourself.

This is not a complete list but still helpful!

sensory needs

quiet–headphones, place to retreat and close the door, to be alone or with Ming

not to be bumped, my chair not to be bumped, not to be scared of being bumped

dimmer light

shoes–especially in chicken coops

not to wear a bra

soft, nonrestrictive clothings without harsh tags or seams

social needs

not to be interrupted, especially in stressful conversations / meetings

to be called by a name that’s ok with me

exits available and within view

knowing what’s going to happen, or at least meeting structure

understanding norms and what’s appropriate in a space

Ming present for medical appointments

kindness to Ming

need to know who people are because face blindness

defined how long I’m going to be somewhere

consent

physical and mobility needs

protein with any meal

no dairy–lots of dietary needs, really

three to four meals a day, plus snack

lotsa delicious clean water

indoor home–proper temperature

downtime, rest, much sleep

not to walk very far

not to stand very long

trikes not bikes

toilet for bathrooming

no cigarette smoke to breathe

air at 4000 ft elevation or lower

handrail, clear steps

strong chair

wide chair

clear aisles

access needs

What are your access needs?  Do you like to talk about it?  I love telling the truth.

Ming was at the same disability justice event.  Here’s his list.  It’s funny we both specified good temperature.  We have a lot in common.