Written By: Riley Hurt
The holidays are here! If you are a wheelchair user, attending holiday events can be difficult. Whether the event is in a public venue or at a private home, ensuring that the location, transportation, and food arrangements work for your needs can make a big difference in your comfort and enjoyment. Along with practical logistics, you may encounter unexpected situations or awkward questions. By preparing in advance, you can navigate these challenges with confidence. This guide will help you prepare for an accessible and enjoyable event, from evaluating the venue to managing social interactions and planning what to bring.
Understand the location
Accounting for access starts with the location of the event. One way to find out if the location is accessible is through research. If your event is located at a public place (conference center, bar, restaurant) you may be able to find pictures of the venue online. If your event is located at someone’s house, ask the host for pictures of the entrance, party space, and bathroom. To tell if a location is accessible, look for a ramp, wide-width doorways, and handrails. If you find yourself in a situation where the location is not accessible, you can ask the host to find a different venue, you can make the location accessible by bringing a portable ramp, or work with the host to find a safe way to enter. Another thing to consider is transportation to and from your event. How will you get there and how will you leave? If you use public transportation, ensure the path from the transport stop to your event is accessible. If you drive a car, ask your host if accessible parking is available.
Prepare for weird questions
At events where you are meeting new people, you may get weird and intrusive questions. Thinking about how you could respond ahead of time is helpful. For example, practice your responses to common questions like “Why do you use a wheelchair?” and “Why do you have a disability?” Thinking about your response ahead of time can help you evaluate what boundary you want to set without pressure or anxiety. When establishing a boundary, remember that you don’t have to answer any questions, and you don’t have to apologize.
Food and items
Now that you are prepared to attend, you should consider what you need to bring. If the host has asked you to bring a dish or other item, consider the time you will need to prepare it. If it is a hot dish, think about how you are going to safely bring it inside. If you don’t feel comfortable juggling a hot dish, coordinate with the host to have someone carry it inside for you. If you use a power wheelchair, plan ahead and bring your chair charger if it is a long event. Prepare your items the night before to minimize stress the day of.
Remember, your comfort and inclusion matter. Happy holidays!
