Time, Expertise and Respect - The Accessible Link #20
Time, Expertise and Respect - The Accessible Link #20
The need to pay disabled accessibility advisors
Hello everyone,
Why do organisations still think it's okay not to pay disabled members of accessibility advisory groups? It's not just a matter of fairness; it's a matter of acknowledging the value and expertise disabled people bring to the table.
Disabled people have unique insights and lived experiences when it comes to accessibility and improving the world for this group. Their perspectives are invaluable in shaping policies and initiatives. However, it's sad to see that disabled people are often expected to volunteer their time and expertise without receiving proper compensation.
Undermining contributions
All the diversity, equality and inclusion work of organisations is worth nothing if you're not willing to pay people from marginalised groups who advise your organisation. Then something is totally off, and you can restart from scratch.
Treating disabled members of accessibility advisory groups as unpaid consultants isn't only a lack of financial recognition. It undermines their contributions and dismisses the value they add. Respect, equality and dignity should extend to all aspects of disability inclusion, including fair compensation. Which other group of consultants work for free in these organisations? Why is it so normalised to expect that from disabled people?
Inclusive environment
It also allows disabled individuals to dedicate their time and energy fully. Acknowledging the expertise of disabled advisors and valuing their contributions creates a more inclusive environment that supports collaboration and innovation.
Compensating disabled members could also be a legal requirement (e.g. the public sector equality duty) and has ethical implications. Imagine an organisation that has several advisory groups, but only the one with disabled people isn't paid. What does that say about the organisation?
So, let's challenge the status quo and advocate for fair compensation for disabled members of accessibility advisory groups. Let's recognise their expertise, honour their time, and create a space of true inclusion and respect.
Some interesting links
TfL’s Equity in Motion commits to more than 80 new and ambitious actions to help to create a fairer, more accessible and inclusive transport network. More information about it is also on TfL's website.
Airport handling agent Menzies Aviation has apologised to a Shetland family for a humiliating experience at Glasgow Airport. Their six-year-old son had to be carried off a Loganair plane down the steps in his wheelchair because a pre-booked ambulift – just metres away – could not be used.
An MP said the delay in constructing lifts and a new bridge at Theale train station in Berkshire was a "case study" in bureaucracy. Redevelopment work was originally due to be completed by February 2014, but has been delayed until this year.
Hostile by design — the inhumanity of some architecture
Something to watch
What message does inaccessibility send? Where it happens gives an interesting insight into bias and expectations in society.
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Something to listen to
The tourism sector could be missing out by not adapting to the disabled market. BBC Business Daily spoke to people in North America, Greece, the Netherlands and Spain who are trying to change that.
Some final words
Not doing anything about inaccessibility is not a neutral act. It is a hostile act directed at disabled people. It is saying: “you haven’t been able to come in or have access in the past and we are not going to do a damn thing to change that.” (Gregory Mansfield)The Accessible Link is a reader-supported publication. So, if you like what you’re reading, consider to
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Who is writing this newsletter?
I’m Christiane Link, and I improve the customer experience in aviation, transport, and travel. I worked as a journalist for over two decades and travelled extensively for business and leisure. I’m a wheelchair user. If you want to read more from me, follow me on LinkedIn, Twitter, Bluesky or Mastodon. You can also reply to this email if you want to contact me.
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