Creative Accessibility

11/11/2024

Autistic inclusion resources from Autism Queensland

Supporting disability service providers develop accessible tools for use by tourism businesses.

25/06/2024

Disability language explained:

Crip Time

/ krɪp / adjective; / taɪm / noun

Challenging the normative expectations of pace and scheduling of life and work tasks, 'crip time' refers to the awareness that flexibility is required for people with disabilities to arrive at a location, complete a task, or process information. “Rather than bend disabled bodies and minds to meet the clock, crip time bends the clock to meet disabled bodies and minds” (Kafer, 2013, p.27).

Coined by Robert McRuer in 2006, "crip theory" is a cross between q***r theory and critical disability studies. As the LGBTQIA+ community has reclaimed the previously derogatory term "q***r", so has the disability community reclaimed "crip". Above is a very general definition. It is much more complex and provides a framework that highlights the inaccessibility of daily life and how every single daily task may be simple for a non-disabled person, but may be extremely difficult for a person with a disability. Whether is it physical spaces, daily tasks, communication, information processing, future appointments, or the mental or physical capacity of each individual person. Crip time creates awareness that no one person is alike and that empathy, sensitivity and understanding is crucial.

30/05/2024

A few weeks ago I attended a 4 hour afternoon/evening entrepreneurial event. Accessibility seemed to be a low priority, and only physical accessibility was considered. I had to leave early as my sensory processing was struggling and if I stayed longer I may have gone into sensory overload. For a female entrepreneurial event I really did think they would have been more aware of non-apparent disabilities and neurodivergence inclusion. Other communication needs for blind and d/Deaf people or dyslexia was not considered either. There are many easy ways to be more inclusive for events (and meetings).

Accessibility is more than physical access. Make events more inclusive by:

• Choose a location close to regular public transport

• Don’t have loud music, flashing lights / presentation content, or hot /cold room

• Ask for access requirements in registration, eg Auslan. Provide quiet chill out room

• Highlight access features in info. Ensure accessible bathrooms are close

• Use: bold, sentence case, left alignment. Don’t use: italics, underline, capitals in presentations

• Provide venue staff with disability and sensory sensitivity training

21/05/2024

Deaf in dance showcase at the State Library of Queensland

Brisbane 👋 If you would like to experience the vibrant and rhythmically charged world of the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group (DIDG), come along to the upcoming ‘Deaf in dance’ event!

What: Official speeches, a special performance from DIDG, followed by light refreshments and a panel discussion with group members. Deaf Connect is providing Auslan interpreting for this event.

Where: State Library of Queensland, The Knowledge Walk, Level 1

When: 10:30am-1:30pm, 25 May

FREE Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/deaf-in-dance-showcase-launch-tickets-885997922637

About the showcase:
Visit DIDG’s latest showcase in kuril dhagun, Deaf in dance, and explore the collection which examines how connection to culture can provide unity, pride and a sense of belonging.

20/05/2024

https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/kurilpa/whats-on/ngurruwarra-derndernyin-artists-in-conversation

17/05/2024

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

On this day, 17th May 1990, the World Health Organization declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder.

In support of all my friends, family and colleagues who identify as q***r, bi, gay, le***an, trans, and non-binary. You are safe with me.

Please get in touch if you are wanting LGBTQIA+ inclusion training. I have an amazing friend who facilitates this training.


+Inclusion

[Image Description: Progress pride rainbow flag. Text is above].

25/04/2024

Did you know that UQ Art Museum has sensory kits to support people who have sensory sensitivity?

Welcome to the first product iteration of my sensory inclusion initiative - 1 of 6 sensory kits available - which you can access when visiting .

In 2023 I trained the cultural mediation team in sensory sensitivity and sensory overload, which included defining what it is, how to recognise if someone is having sensory challenges, and how to support them if they go into sensory overload.

As part of the sensory inclusion initiative that I developed for UQ Art Museum, I also developed staff resources, and sensory kits - including communication cards for people who are/or become non-verbal / non-speaking. They are free to borrow and anyone can use the sensory kits, including visitors, staff, artists, contractors, and stakeholders.

I'm currently developing my second new and improved sensory kit, which is officially under my branding. So watch this space!

23/04/2024

A massive congratulations to Archie Moore for winning the very prestigious Golden Lion award.
Australia posted:
Archie Moore’s exhibition kith and kin at the Australia Pavilion has been awarded the prestigious Golden Lion for Best National Participation at La Biennale de Venezia 2024. This is the first time in history an Australian artist has received this accolade.

On receiving this award, Archie Moore said:

“As the water flows through the canals of Venice to the lagoon, then to the Adriatic Sea, it then travels to the oceans and to the rest of the world – enveloping the continent of Australia – connecting us all here on Earth. Aboriginal kinship systems include all living things from the environment in a larger network of relatedness, the land itself can be a mentor or a parent to a child. We are all one and share a responsibility of care to all living things now and into the future."

As part of my access and inclusion work for UQ Art Museum - and just before starting Creative Accessibility - I had the privilege of developing and delivering disability inclusion training to the Australian Pavilion Cultural Mediators. During the few days of intensive training, the new Pavilion staff learnt about and how it breaks down barriers to art and its themes through mutually shared conversations between staff and audiences. Disability and diversity awareness training is an essential part of the cultural mediation learning journey. I am so happy for Archie and curator Ellie Buttrose. And so very honoured to have had a tiny part in sharing knowledge with the mediation team to assist their understanding of supporting all visitors during their important journeys of curiosity.





https://creative.gov.au/news/media-releases/archie-moores-kith-and-kin-wins-golden-lion-at-venice-biennale/

17/04/2024

Please share around

Deaf Connect is offering short iPad courses in Auslan to support deaf seniors in the day-to-day use of technology. This includes:

✅ Online shopping
✅ Sending emails
✅ Using social media
✅ And more...

Courses will be conducted at various locations, including Paramatta, Erina, Penrith and Nowra.

Tech Savvy Seniors is an ongoing collaboration between Telstra and the New South Wales Government.

For more information, visit: https://deafconnect.org.au/services/courses-for-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-people/tech-savvy-seniors

To register your attendance, please email studentservices@deafconnect.org.au or SMS 0497 587 188.

17/04/2024

Great Screen access and inclusion master-class.

16/04/2024

Thanks so much Spacecubed and Plus Eight for the opportunity to learn with and from such brilliant people!

The Plus Eight Female Founder program recently wrapped up in Brisbane, where 26 visionary women pitched their startup at our end of program Pitch Night. Find out more inside.