You may be someone who wishes to become involved in community accessibility, but are unsure of how best to do so. If so, this article shows ways that you can take an active role in ensuring community accessibility for all. You can take part in community accessibility in many ways, such as:
- Learning more
- Becoming a volunteer
- Being an advocate
- Attending community meetings
Community Accessibility: Get Involved!
Learn More
We have made strides when it comes to community accessibility. Still, there is a long way to go. To start, learn about various disabilities or focus on one that you are passionate about. As an example, contact your local agency to talk to someone with more information. Likewise, there are many blogs and online resources for people looking to learn more about community accessibility.
While researching a certain disability is a good way to start learning about it, working with or talking to someone living with a disability is a better method. This way you learn about what people with disabilities really need. Commit to learning more. As a result, you will better understand what barriers exist and how we can start making changes. Understanding the issues is the first step in growing community accessibility solutions.
Become a Volunteer
Being a volunteer is the best way to understand the barriers that exist to community accessibility. There is no better way to get an understanding of the challenges people with disabilities face than experiencing the community with them.
Your local support agency is the best place to get more information about becoming a volunteer. Sometimes volunteers will need to complete certain training, such as first aid. Other agencies will need a clean criminal background check. Contact your agency to be sure of what it requires. Above all, volunteering is a great way to give back to the community.
Be an Advocate
Once you have a better understanding of the needs of people with disabilities, you can further your involvement in the community by becoming an advocate. An advocate acts as a voice in support of a person or group.
Involvement may include tasks such as:
- Learning more about how to make the community accessible to everyone
- Writing letters to local politicians
- Attending planning and information meetings
- Going to agency meetings
Attend Community Meetings
Lastly, a great way to learn more about what you can do to make your community accessible is by attending community meetings. You will learn more about the planning process and listen to people with disabilities as they talk about what the community needs. You may also get to vote on planning initiatives and how to spend money.
Most planning meetings are public and anyone can attend. Visit your city hall’s website to find out more. The website will post public meeting information, such as:
- Times
- Locations
- Topics
- Agendas
Learn about the issues ahead of time so you are ready to speak or vote if necessary. Voting is a great way to have a say!
Get Involved!
In conclusion, to ensure that everyone can enjoy the community that you love, consider getting involved with accessibility efforts today!