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Access & Inclusion

Before You Start Planning

  • Is everybody in the discussion aware of Extinction Rebellion's 'Principles and Values'?

  • Is there a wide array of disabled voices in the discussion space, reflecting the diversity of the movement?

  • Is there sufficient time in the planning agenda for specifically hearing those voices?

  • Have you remembered that some disabilities are hidden and should still be heard?

Please

When useplanning theseyour guidelines DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY AT ACTIONS when designing an action toaction, ensure you've taken accessiblity and inclusion into consideration at the inception stage?

Further information on Accessibility and Inclusivity can be found HERE

Actions

Transport to the Site
  • If you're arranging group transport to the venue, is the transport accessible to all members of the group?

  • Is there accessible parking sufficiently close to the venue?

The Site
  • Is the site on one level or does the site have ramp or lift access?

  • Is the ground even?

  • Have you made rebels aware of the ground quality such as surface type, quality, wetness.

  • Do you have aread safetyEnsuring planyour thatactions includesare evacuationaccessible andas carethey can be and, for disabledyour rebels?planning meetings, Organising inclusive meetings.

  • Have you made the doorway width known to rebels before the event date?

  • Is there sufficient seating?

  • Is the layout of the space reconfigurable to allow the free movement of those with mobility imparements?

  • Is the layout of any staging or speaking area visable by those in wheelchairs?

  • Can you designate spaces at the front of a crowd for those who need to sit?

  • Is the lighting bright and even to accomodate people with visual imparements?

  • Are there accessible toilets for all genders? Consider hand rails, safety alarms, turning space, lights within reach.

  • Is the site accommodating to service animals?

  • Do you need to go scent free?

  • Are there quiet spaces that rebels can access?

  • Do you need access officers on site? Are they clearly identifiable?

Communication

  • Have you considered how you will deliver materials to those with visual and/or auditory imparements?

  • Is a BSL or other sign language translator required?

  • Is a public address (PA) system necessary?

  • Are microphones available for all speakers?

Civil Disobedience and Direct ActionsAction

If you're planning a 'spicy' action, you need to be aware that disabled and neurodiverse people face larger barriers to taking part. Because of this you should consider the following:

  • Is there direct involvement of disabled rebels in action planning?

  • Are everyone's needs met in the discussion?

  • Are there safety concerns that need to be recognised and planned for? State actors such as the MET police have been shown to act with malice toward disabled rebels.

  • Are you aware of any intersectionality that needs to be considered? For example, BAME, disabled rebels are at risk of violence.

  • Can an inaccessible action be adapted?

  • If not, are there other options available that are similar and as non-exclusive as possible? Do the other options still value a rebel's comittment to civil disobedience? Do the other options satisfy the needs of the people involved? Is it equally social, regenerative, disruptive?

  • Is Arrestee support aware of disabled rebels engaging in civil disobedience and direct action?

Feedback

  • Are you prepared to recieve feedback emotionally?

  • Have you got a method for feedback to be collected and stored?

  • Have you got a system in place to review the feedback?

  • How are you going to act on the feedback?

  • Have you shared the feedback on the Rebel Toolkit?

For more detailed information on inclusivity please check out the WeNeurodiverse areand EveryoneDisabled Rebels Inclusion resource. And for further advice you can reach out to the Disabled Rebels Network either on Facebook or by Email at xr.inclusion@protonmail.com

Disablity Access Training | Disabled Rebels Network | June 2023