A Better Way to Request Accommodations
First published on Medium, 5/19/2023; click here for original post
I was recently reviewing the Grant for Neuroqueering Humans from the Neuroqueering Network and I came across a concept I was familiar with but hadn’t previously seen used in this way: Access Documents. The way they were explained at Access Docs for Artists was that they were like a contract rider for a performer: “the person can say what they need in order to do their thing, and the venue/institution knows exactly how to provide support for them to do their thing.” (https://www.accessdocsforartists.com/what-is-an-access-doc) Having previously been a touring company stage manager, I was familiar with these. We’ve all heard of the band whose rider stipulated that they be provided with a bowl of M&Ms with all the brown ones removed but have you heard of the other artist whose rider stipulated they be provided with a specific brand of tea that didn’t actually exist? But, I digress…
They also seem similar to a form of documentation that, as former teacher, a parent of an autistic young adult, and a mental health professional, I’ve encountered frequently in the form of workplace ADA accommodations and individualized educational plans (IEPs). The majority of those that I’ve seen and, honestly, some that I’ve written, have been overwhelmingly stigmatizing and rooted in ableist terminology and assumptions. They highlight what people aren’t able to do rather than what they are. One of the best exceptions to this that I’ve found is Em Hammond’s (NeuroWild) amazing list of “Neurodiversity-Affirming IEP Accommodations” at Teachers Pay Teachers.
The access doc examples at Access Docs for Artists are a wonderful extension of this concept. They contain documents from disabled artists who have shared the way they communicate their needs to galleries, events, potential clients, and even to friends and family. They include things like information about their condition and how it effects them, things they may need help with or accommodations for, and what to do in case of an emergency. The late Lizzy Rose’s Access Doc included a description of spoon theory, enabling people to understand what she meant when she told them she didn’t have enough spoons for something.
I’d love to see person-centered, individualized, de-stigmatizing Access Docs like this more widely used and accepted in the workplace, at schools, or at home. To this end, I’ve created one for myself that I can apply to my work, home, and creative life:
Access Requirements for Nicole Baker
I need concrete instructions and time to ask questions, process information, and follow directions and/or modify them to meet my needs.
I need access to all the information needed to do my job/make my art and this sometimes requires more time and details than might otherwise be requested by neurotypical peers.
Once I understand a task, I work well independently and do best if I have my own quiet space in which to work.
I need down-time, often in several-hour or full-day periods, to recharge my battery. This, ideally, requires a 4-day work-week with periodic longer breaks, sometimes planned and sometimes unplanned.
A hybrid work environment, seeing some people in person and some via telehealth, as well as a hybrid creative environment, engaging in some art alone and some with other people in person and via virtual meet-ups, is ideal.
Crowed and/or loud spaces, especially with people I don’t know, are extremely difficult. I will step away if I need to and may or may not come back, depending on how overwhelmed I am. This gives no indication on how committed to a group, event, or cause I might be.
If I’m getting overwhelmed, I need time to process and use my coping skills to regroup and find the words I want to use. If I’m getting close to burnout, I need extended, uninterrupted time with minimal sensory or social input in order to recover.
I know how to advocate for myself and I know what I need.