Accessibility & Senior Services at Creating Change

Creating a More Accessible Conference

The National LGBTQ Task Force and the Creating Change organizers and host venue strive to make Creating Change welcoming and accessible for attendees with disabilities. In the spirit of learning how our communities can be inclusive of and accessible to all people, we offer these guidelines for Creating Change.

General Guidelines for Inclusivity:

• Respectful Interactions:
  • Understand that disabilities are an ordinary part of identity, not a source of inspiration or pity.Always ask before offering assistance; what you assume is helpful may not be.
  • Do not distract service animals. Avoid petting, feeding, or commenting on their presence.

• Effective Communication:
  • Speak at a moderate volume and pace.
  • Practice active listening by asking and responding to questions, using both verbal and non-verbal cues to show engagement.
  • When speaking with someone using an interpreter, address the individual directly, not the interpreter.
  • Be patient with diverse learning and communication styles. If communication is difficult, try alternative methods like writing or demonstration.
• Environmental Considerations:
  • Lighting: Avoid wearing or carrying decorative flashing lights and refrain from using camera flashes in public spaces, as these can trigger seizures or other conditions.
  • Movement & Seating:
    • Seats are reserved for individuals with various disabilities, both up front and throughout plenary and meeting rooms.
    • Avoid “clumping” in hallways. Be mindful of others in crowded areas, leaving ample room for safe passage.
    • Hold heavy or inaccessible doors open for others.
  • Scent Sensitivity:
    • Aim to be scent-free by using fragrance-free products or abstaining from scented items like shampoo, soap, perfume, and lotions.
    • If using scented products, sit or stand away from “Scent Safer” areas, designated in the ballroom during plenary sessions.
    • Note: Creating Change is not yet a fully scent-free conference.
  • Smoking: Smoke only in designated areas, away from entrances, and as far as possible from “Scent Safer” areas when inside.
    

Challenging Assumptions and Seeking Support

Invisible Disabilities: Recognize that many disabilities are not visible. Everyone has the right to use accommodations without criticism or questioning.

• Learning & Respecting Privacy:
  • Listen to the experiences of disabled individuals when they choose to share.
  • Respect privacy and boundaries; avoid intrusive questions about personal bodies or conditions.
  • Educate yourself through available resources (books, websites, workshops) to become an ally in responding to ableist situations.