NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US

Tuesday 15 April

What do people with access needs want others to know?
We asked Arts Access Victoria, and they answered.

From challenging assumptions to highlighting invisible access needs, their responses speak to the importance of self representation, disability equity and consultation.

Here's what Arts Access Victoria would like you to know:

  • Ask if you can assist someone before jumping in
  • Deaf and Disabled people are the experts on their individual access needs
  • Deaf and Disabled people are often seen as super-human or sub-human. In reality they reveal the same variety as the rest of the community
  • The opposite of disability isn’t ability, the opposite is access.
  • Disability Equity is different to Equal Opportunity. Disability equity recognises that people have different needs in order to be able to participate equally.
  • Make sure you are skilled up to welcome every single person who comes through the door.
  • “Nothing about us without us”. Don’t assume what we need, ask us
  • Address us, not the people we are with
  • Consult Disabled advisors when planning events
  • Provide Access information about your venue so we can choose if and how we can attend
  • Encourage feedback by having multiple ways of giving feedback and ensuring feedback is followed up
  • The Medical Model of Disability says “Her Impairment is the problem! The Social Model of Disability says “The stairs are the problem!”
  • The Social Model is a philosophy, or way of thinking, that recognises that people are disabled by barriers created by society, not by their condition or impairment.
  • Prioritise Autonomy & choice of Deaf and Disabled people
  • Give people time to process and respond
  • Be open to multiple communication methods
  • Provide universal access–without asking people to disclose their access needs
  • Provide accessible communication methods: Auslan Interpreters, audio description, accessible social media and website.
  • Give information about what access you can or cannot provide.

Arts Access Victoria is a disability-led organisation and a leading force behind a more accessible arts and cultural sector. Their work drives systemic change across the creative industries for Deaf and Disabled communities.

YIRRAMBOI appreciates the support of Arts Access Victoria and their ongoing leadership.

Check out our Accessibility and Venue pages to learn more about accessible events and physical access across all festival locations.