Disabled able to advocate
The ALSO Foundation is calling for deaf and disabled people to join a new queer disability advocacy group — Quip.
ALSO CEO Crusader Hillis said the group — set up in Melbourne this month — will undertake an audit of local gay businesses to ensure they are disability-friendly.
“One of the first things we’re going to look at is all the different venues, including the sex-on-premises venues, and do an audit in terms of what their physical accessibility is,” Hillis told Southern Star Observer.
“We’d really like to start working with venues and businesses … to wear down some of the fairly old-fashioned ideas about people with disabilities and what they want.”
Hillis said after the audit Quip will plan a campaign to assist businesses to become more disability-friendly, with a sticker system for those who comply.
“It’s about equipping people and it’s about equipping the community as well. It’s not just about people with disabilities, it’s also about taking the onus away from people with disabilities as being always the ones who break down the stereotypes and the barriers,” he said.
“It’s about bringing the rest of the community on board and understanding.”
Hillis said although the GLBTI community had dealt with disability issues “quite well”, attitudinal change was still needed.
“I think things are quite different than they were 10 years ago when it was impossible to get wheelchairs in different pubs around town … but I think there has been some community growth in the area,” he said.
“Most people with disabilities could tell you 100 different stories about some of the ignorance they face on a fairly daily basis … because they may not fit the body image that other people fit.
“There’s no point getting someone in a venue if they’re not going to be made welcome and there’s not going to be an understanding of people’s needs.”
Quip will also serve as a social support group for deaf and disabled people who want a queer-friendly space to socialise.
info: To get involved, visit www.also.org.au or call 9660 3900.
