I chose the name Demand Our Access because I’m an aggressive person. I truly believe our rights matter and that the best way we, as individuals, can be better included in society is by insisting our rights as disabled people be met.
Even though I’m an aggressive person who is very comfortable demanding my access, I have come to think the idea of “demanding” access may make some people uncomfortable and/or nervous. The discomfort and nervousness held by some is most likely caused by some of the following truths:
- Many of us have been conditioned, by our ableist society, to have low expectations.
- Many of us are dependent on government for benefits. That dependence helps some feel like they cannot demand their access.
- Many of us aren’t comfortable with much conflict.
Those points aren’t intended to be an exhaustive list of the reasons why many of us aren’t ready to demand access. I shared them to illustrate the reasons why some in our community do not feel empowered to demand access from a system that is actively oppressing us.
In doing Demand Our Access for more than two years, I have learned that to some the idea of demanding anything from those in power is scary. I have also learned that the word “demand” is seen by many as being far more negative than It is seen by me.
In my view, the act of asking for an accessible electronic document is technically demanding access. What I’m saying is that you can, and I regularly do, demand access without being confrontational.
I like the word “demand” because to me it’s empowering and up lifting. It acknowledges the reality that I have rights and I have the power to ensure my rights are met. But it is critical to remember that you can achieve greater access for yourself and our community even if you are not a naturally confrontational person.
What I’m saying is that the word “demand” in the context of the Demand Our Access project is not intended to communicate the idea that every individual advocacy effort needs to be confrontational; in fact, if you learn your rights and understand how to effectively use them to advocate for yourself, you can make things better without having to fight all the time. Sure, some victories may not be achieved without conflict and fighting, but every day victories are achievable without fighting. If you aren’t yet ready for a scary fight, start slow. Find a meeting you wish to attend and ask for related materials in an accessible format. Or find an event in an accessible facility and ask to have it relocated. If you need an interpreter for something, as for an interpreter. Where ever you are on your advocacy journey, you can do your part to make things better for our community. Simply by understanding our rights and asking someone who is not providing us what we are rightfully entitled to have to provide what we have a right to have is demanding our access.