Dizzy has been thinking a lot about accessibility over the last week. We had to leave a position that we were really enjoying and really wanted to do because of their accessibility procedures. It was making me feel completely useless and super sad (I even forgot to buy Dizzy’s ginger nut biscuits), so we decided I had to leave. But it has got us pondering the differences between reactive (this company was very much on the reactive side) and proactive accessibility, and why proactive is so vital for everyone.
What is reactive accessibility?
Reactive accessibility focuses on responding to and solving problems as they happen. It means that issues have to be experienced and reported instead of being prevented in the first place. For example, if Dizzy needed help getting in the car (she only has little legs), with reactive accessibility, I would wait for Dizzy to raise the issue before putting a little ramp in place.
Why is this unhelpful?
- If people are put into situations that are not accessible to them, they can feel uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassed.
- It can make people feel like a burden and an inconvenience.
- People can be put into potentially dangerous situations.
- It puts complete responsibility on the individual to flag issues, even in new and unknown situations.
- These negative experiences can be both physically and mentally harmful.
- People can feel excluded and unwanted.
What is proactive accessibility?
Proactive accessibility means designing and planning with accessibility in mind from the very beginning. It prioritises inclusion and anticipates and addresses barriers from the start, so they are dealt with before they can be a problem.
Why is this vital?
- It ensures people feel valued and empowered from the start.
- People feel included and wanted.
- It prevents people from feeling different or like an outsider.
- People’s privacy and dignity are respected.
- Individuals do not have to constantly advocate for themselves, which can be exhausting.
- These adaptations help many other people, not just the ones with stated disabilities.
- People can focus on what they are doing and enjoy life.
So, what’s the overall difference?
Reacting accessibility has a core focus on problems as they arise, often meaning that the individual is put in tricky positions both physically and mentally, whilst also feeling different and as though they are requesting special treatment. However, proactive accessibility focuses on integrating these practices from the start – they are built into the very foundations and work to prevent barriers from ever being there in the first place. 
This is much more beneficial for everyone, as no one is left out or made to feel different.
And it’s ok to ask! We really don’t mind. It just shows you care. xxxx
Accessibility is not accessibility if it makes the individual feel like a burden, feel like they are constantly having to ask for special treatment, or as though they need to keep apologising or saying thank you.
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Source: dinosaursdonkeysandms.com