“All-inclusive” has become pinkwashing for disabilities

Grant Maynard shares his challenges with access and inclusion, and why “all-inclusive” has become pinkwashing for disabilities.

With my favourite cafe closed for renovations, I strolled down Victoria Street looking for an accessible café.

I went past dozens before finding one I could easily enter.

While finding accessible venues is always a challenge, finding accessibility information shouldn’t be.

In the first week of December, the world floods social media with messages about the importance of accessibility and inclusion.

The 3rd of December is International Day of People with Disability.

That week, I can rock up to any advertised event confidently, knowing it will be accessible and affordable.

Start times, access information, wheelchair accessibility and bathroom availability will be clearly outlined, along with potential breakout/quiet spaces.

Then, like magic, the conversations and accessibility stop.

It’s basically pinkwashing for people with disabilities.

A tokenistic gesture that ultimately doesn’t translate into long-term positive outcomes.

So why just one day when access needs affect people throughout the year?

Inclusion doesn’t include people with disabilities

Inclusion continues to grow and improve, but one phrase is becoming more noticeable, as events are promoted as ‘inclusive’ or ‘all-welcome’.

It certainly serves to encourage diversity.

Unfortunately, far too often, inclusion doesn’t include people with disabilities.

Understandably this is a challenge, especially due to the lack of truly accessible queer venues in Melbourne.

But well-intentioned, inclusive statements ultimately fall short.

When a local venue started renovations, I asked online about the potential of improved access.

The owners explained their situation and the prohibitive costs associated.

Others online felt improving accessibility was a major cost for a minor community that wouldn’t be financially beneficial.

While they’re right about the exorbitant costs, they’re completely wrong about the benefits.

Approximately 1 in 5 Australians live with a disability, that’s about 21.4% of the population.

Delving deeper, those details become more complex with Deakin reporting that 22.7% of our communities report they have a disability or long-term health condition.

Combine this with 52.3% of people over the age of 65 having a disability, inaccessible venues and events exclude a large number of our diverse community.

Accessibility makes business sense.

I’ve been invited to plenty of events stating ‘absolutely everyone is welcome’ yet the location is inaccessible, or worse, aspects of access and inclusion aren’t even mentioned.

We’re left to either book and turn up to an inaccessible location or pay for a ticket only to find the ground floor is the only accessible space, or that the bathroom isn’t accessible.

Events even reinforce that sexism, racism, ageism, homophobia, and transphobia are not accepted, but disability is sadly missing.

There’s no simple fix.

There is however a range of things businesses and event organisers can do to improve accessibility.

The door for inclusion can be opened by having honest and effective communication.

Have you considered various access needs?

Could your event rotate venues throughout the year?

What about varied ticket prices?

Meeting these needs is easier than you think.

Wheelchairs and accessibility are often the first thing that comes to mind, but access needs are different across the board for a wide range of people.

Seating and tables can improve access for those with chronic pain and other neuromuscular disability.

AUSLAN interpreters allow for more engaging events, and quiet spaces help with communication and anxiety.

And finally, clear timetables and schedules allow people with limited energy or capacity to engage in their favourite moments.

Ultimately lots of small actions make a big difference across the year, simply by reviewing what you can and communicating clearly.

With small actions and considerations made, events will begin to be truly inclusive for our fantastically diverse community every day.