Tips for a disability inclusive Christmas
Personal recommendations from disabled people
The Christmas holiday season can be ‘full on’ - there is an influx of social events, family gatherings, gifting, Christmas lights, religious obligations for some, and more. But how can you navigate the challenges and added expectations that pop up around Christmas when you are disabled?
Read on to explore tips from our AccessAble Ambassadors, on how they are doing Christmas in a way that works for them, to maximise fun, joy and cosiness!
Here at AccessAble we have a network of over 40 ambassadors. These are individuals who have lived experience of multiple disabilities, across other demographic factors such as age, location, gender and race. We asked them for their tips as to how to have a disability inclusive Christmas. This is what they said:
“Access and accessibility benefits everyone. Sometimes music can be a huge access barrier for Autistic individuals, especially from the get go - and we should not have to place ourselves in overwhelming situations. If you cannot hear other people talking, or you have to shout, this becomes overwhelming pretty quickly - and could lead to a meltdown potentially being a likely scenario. So, if you are in charge of music at a Christmas party, supermarket, a bar or restaurant - please consider turning it down just a little bit. It benefits everyone - and it also works to protect the hearing of all patrons, too.”
- Lydia Wilkins, award winning freelance journalist & author
“Probably the most important (and simple) thing you can do is to not leave us out of your plans. Never assume a wheelchair user doesn’t want to go somewhere, because 9 times out of 10 they are often feeling isolated enough already.
Research the venue or location for access information in advance (hey, I think there’s even a website to help you with that!) and generally just let us feel involved in the decision making.”
- Ross Lannon, lifestyle and disability blogger
“AccessAble will take the chance out of booking your Christmas celebration. Simply go on their website find out which venue is accessible for a range of disabilities including deafness and hearing loss. You can even filter your searches by selecting the hearing loop or British Sign Language icons and you will be displayed with a choice of venues you will know that will be accessible for your loved one with deafness or hearing loss.
“If a loved one did this for me, I know I would be deeply grateful. Not only I can join in to laugh with my friends and family, but I know that I will truly have an inclusive and wonderful time.”
- Ed Rex, deaf travel blogger
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“Having access to the toilet is a must, imagine not being able to use a toilet, nothing worse than going to a party and restricting fluids while you're there. Check that the venue has a large enough accessible toilet, or even better find a venue that has a changing places toilet that caters for people with more complex needs. It provides a height-adjustable adult size bed, hoist and a toilet central to the wall for easy transfer on both sides.”
- Kerry Thompson, disability blogger and campaigner
“Being realistic about your own health and access needs will enable you to make informed decisions about how you spend your time and get the most joy “bang” for your energy “buck”. Think about the tangibles and how they can be applied to anything you want to do over the festive season.”
- Natasha Lipman, chronic illness blogger and journalist
We will be back in your inbox in 2024 with some exciting news about the forthcoming year, and what we have planned at AccessAble. Until then, have a wonderful Christmas, and a happy new year!