Why I stopped emailing businesses to solve accessibility

It just doesn't work...

I thought addressing business owners through email would be polite and considerate, giving them a chance to read my words at their convenience, think about the issue, then thoughtfully reply…

But it also gives them a chance to set the message aside for later and forget about it.

I realize that in many cases the issue of accessibility can’t be solved by being considerate. I don’t get to “consider” whether I can access a space or not - I either can or can’t, and it’s not a choice.

And I don’t need them to think about it much. No amount of thinking will put them in my shoes, know how my body betrays me, feel how I feel when I leave the house to any given destination, unsure if the plan will be a success or disappointment due to one barrier or another.

And I don’t need them to be thoughtful. I just need them to hear me out - and if I show up in person, they have no choice but to do just that.

And I’ll gladly do all the thinking and planning for them. After all, simple things most people do without thinking, I have to plan out meticulously.

But I would prefer a business find the worth in working with me to make their space more accessible, even if it’s just putting a few sentences and pictures on their website to help people with sensory, cognitive, and/or mobility challenges decide if the space is accessible to them or not.

Yes, I want them to see me (us) in person, hear my voice, and feel my intention, not just read words without a face on the same device where they escape to binge watch their Netflix specials.

Not on the same device they swipe left and right on people’s faces.

Not the same device they repeatedly hit skip ad.

Not the same device they despise the group chat and rage bait shorts.

Not the same device they depend on for intermittent dopamine hits.

Devices are designed and built for engagement and productivity, but just as well for dismissal, distraction, and diversion.

That’s why I’m showing up in person. If they hear me out, they have my business. If not, I keep moving. They may set me aside, but they likely won’t forget about me.

-DB

Some of us have only the ability to reach out via email and social media to make change. But the most effective way to bridge the accessibility gap is to make them look at you. Photo credit: Derrik Bosse. Q River Linear Trail, Wallingford, CT.

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