* the use of
sign language and a teletypewriter (TTY);
* the use of
blissymbolics;
* the use of
print materials in braille, large print, on tape, and in plain language;
* the use of
ALT tags (Alternative text) to identify Internet images;
Access, though,
is not just all about physical access and technical devices.
Access is acceptance
and understanding, a social environment in which women with disabilities
are free to be ourselves.
Access may be defined
by the person. For example, people with environmental illnesses may
have serious reactions to scents. People with epilepsy may have a seizure
because of the use of flashbulbs.
DEFINING
ACCESS
Physical:
Examples are: ramps, accessible washrooms, wide doorways, accessible
transportation, etc.
Procedural:
Examples are: taking extra time to communicate with someone with an
intellectual disability, arranging interviews at times when an individual
may be less affected by medications, etc.
Communication:
Examples are: access to American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, material
in alternate formats such as large print, audiotape, Braille, computer
disk; communication aids like word boards, etc.
Attitudinal:
Awareness of and sensitivity to the experiences and needs of Women with
disAbilities.
Financial:
Availability of services at no cost or low fees - many Women with disAbilities
have low incomes.
from
the Dawn Ontario publication, "We are Those Women!"
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