*for the purposes of this post, I won't be differentiating between mental and physical disability.
Obviously, I am a disabled Heathen. I've been disabled for the majority of my teenage and adult life, and many of my friends are also disabled, so I am speaking from first-hand experience. Many Pagans are disabled. Around 15% of the population is disabled in one way or another (if this number seems high to you, remember that not all disabilities are visible), so there's a good chance that every Pagan gathering will have at least one disabled attendee. It's really important, then, to make sure that Pagan events, temples, and groups provide a good experience for disabled Pagans. Make sure to talk with anyone in advance to figure out what their specific needs are, but here's where you can start.
1. Make sure your venue is ACCESSIBLE.
Your venue might include a temple, a park, someone's home, even a metaphysical store. Sadly, many of these places are simply not accessible, or not accessible enough. Every Pagan should be able to meet other Pagans and celebrate holidays with them, so the most important thing is to make sure the venue is accessible.
Accessibility is more than making sure there's a ramp for wheelchair users. If you're hosting an event, make sure that everyone who is attending will be able to get to it. Outdoor events should include minimal walking. If the walk is longer than the average parking lot, you should arrange for a wheelchair (and someone to push it, if applicable), a golf cart, or another mobility aid. In addition, make sure that the ground is level and free of obstacles, holes, or hills. This includes making sure that ramps are not too steep and that any stairs also have railings. If people will have to walk over uneven terrain or use stairs, have an able-bodied person offer their arm to lean on during this process.
Allow people to bring caretakers, assistants, or service animals, and make sure that there is access to a phone. Ensure that paramedics and other emergency personnel would be able to get to you during an emergency. Also, make sure that your venue is in a safe place and is well-lit without being blindingly bright.
It's important to ensure that there is adequate seating for anyone who might need it, especially during rituals. Some people can't stand comfortably for more than a few minutes at a time, and anyone with chronic fatigue might need a chair nearby. Keep in mind that while stools are easy to store and carry, they are also very uncomfortable and people might have trouble balancing on them.
For stores especially, make sure your aisles are wide enough for someone with a walker, a cane, or a wheelchair to maneuver in, and ensure that you don't put products on the floor out of reach.
2. Make sure that everyone is included.
Just because someone can't dance or isn't comfortable with being touched, it doesn't mean they don't want to participate! Personally, I was always more than happy to sit in a chair in the circle and sing or beat a drum while everyone else danced. Always ask someone before touching them, and if they don't want to, don't force them. Instead, find another way for them to be included. If you are doing chants, try to provide everyone with the lyrics beforehand, and have a few paper copies available for anyone who might need or want them. If you are serving food or having a potluck, there should be something for everyone to eat, so be mindful of allergies and special diets. Rather than asking someone to sit out, try to find a way for them to participate.
3. Be conscious of everyone's needs and do your best to meet them.
For example, Deaf Pagans might want to have a sign language interpreter on hand (if they do, PLEASE don't expect them to pay for it). Pagans with autism or anxiety may want to have access to a quiet area they can go to if they experience sensory overload. Bathrooms should be on-site and easily accessible, and allow people to bring snacks, drinks, or medication if they need to. If someone is allergic to cats, it would probably be best to shut Fluffy in the bedroom instead of letting him roam wild. I am convinced that cats can tell if you are allergic, and they will always try to rub up on the only allergic person in the room, so when in doubt, shut the cat out. Make sure no one is sensitive to any incense you plan on burning or oil that you're going to anoint people with. If someone wants to leave the room or the event for any reason, let them.
The best way to figure out what someone needs is to just ask them. Make it clear to everyone that they can approach you with any concerns, and encourage people to make suggestions. If you are having trouble meeting someone's needs, ask them what you should do.
4. Be flexible, open, and understanding.
Disabled people have a wide variety of needs and potential problems, just like any person. Educate yourself and try to work with us, not against us. Understand that sometimes, people with chronic illness are not the most dependable and consistent people ever. We're not anti-social, lazy, or apathetic, and there are many valid reasons that we might be late or that we might have to cancel at the last minute. Personally, my illness fluctuates from day to day, so my needs fluctuate as well. On more than one occasion, I have had to cancel an outing that I very much looked forward to. If a disabled person says that they can't make it on time or at all because of their illness or disability, believe them and try to understand! We want to be there, but we don't always have full control of our situation and circumstances. Someone may look perfectly healthy, but that doesn't mean they are. Similarly, someone might need a lot of assistance and accommodations one day, but they might not need anything special on another day. This is why communication and trust are vital to ensuring that disabled Pagans have a great experience just like everyone else.
If you're planning an event, I hope that this post was helpful to you! If you have any questions, ask them in the comments, or tell me about your experiences as a disabled Pagan. Share, subscribe and check back every day for new posts!
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