Community Sourced Accessibility Resources

Written By Bree XVI

Each Fat Fridays Virtual Social Club (presented by NAAFA and hosted by me!) involves a themed discussion. The following information came from our November 2023 gathering with the theme of accessibility. We talked everything from our favorite household devices to engaging allies in our advocacy. Everything that you’ll find in this list was a collaborative effort from our group discussions.

Want to join in on the fun? RSVP for our next Fat Friday event here! 

PS: For the below resources, organizations, and individuals that are available on Instagram, I encourage you to repost or share them to your stories. This helps others who need the information. It also amplifies the message to allies or those who are unaware of our needs. But no presh! ;)

FAT Liberation

How to Advocate for Accessible Seating - Blog or Instagram

Skincare Tips for Fat Folx from Fat Folx - Blog or Instagram

Air Travel Tips for Fat Folx from Fat Folx - Blog or Instagram

Clothing Tips for Fat Folx from Fat Folx - Blog - Instagram

4 Custom Size Inclusive Clothing Resources - Blog - Instagram

5 Early Fat Liberation Books - Blog - Instagram

MENTAL HEALTH

4 Questions to Ask Your New Therapist - Blog - Instagram

How I Created an Emergency Mental Health Plan - Blog - Instagram

Tips for Folx with Bipolar I (From Someone Who Has Bipolar I) - Blog - Instagram

4 Anxiety Coping Skills That Work for Me - Blog - Instagram

GENDER

Communicating Pronouns is for Everyone - Blog - Instagram

How to Not be an Ass Hole About Pronouns - Blog - Instagram

Mobility

These items were highlighted in our group discussion. Some have specific brand recommendations. Some don’t. I think it’s important to showcase mobility aids regardless of specific recommendations, because it helps us feel less alone in our need for them. I know a lot of folx who waver in their willingness to use mobility aids (me included!) But this isn’t something we need to feel guilty about—it’s the ableist world we live in that pressures us into feeling the way we do. For me, seeing that other people use mobility aids makes me feel less alone and more empowered to use them, too. Seeing other people meeting their needs with mobility aids shows me that I don’t have to suffer because I’m afraid of what others will think. If anyone else struggles with these feelings, I hope seeing this list (which was gathered by a whole group of 15 people!) helps you feel less alone and more empowered to use whatever you need to increase accessibility.

  • Grabber/reacher tool (some are even 5 feet long!)

  • The Nifty Nabber (so strong it can pick up a mason jar!)

  • Cane

  • Rollator (if you don’t know what a rollator is—it’s a walker with wheels, and many also come with a seat)

  • Travel Scoot

  • Collapsable stool (to ensure you have a seat wherever you need it!)

  • Ramps

Bathroom

  • SheWe (especially useful for traveling—not all international restrooms have toilets where you can sit down and/or the stalls are too small)

  • Shower seat

  • Grab bars

Assistance from Allies

We are not in this alone! Not only do we have each other, but those in our lives who are allies can also be of assistance. When in need of accommodations, ask someone else to do advocacy for you! This can provide us with much-needed relief, so we don’t have to do the emotional labor every time we need an accommodation.

Fat Icons doing Accessibility Work

ORGANIZATIONS 

INDIVIDUALS 

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Looking for support from a fellow fat liberationist? My sliding scale peer counseling, tarot readings, and consulting services start at $30. Book a free consultation or full session here.

Want to join an intimate peer support space for fat folx only? At the time of publishing, there are still spots open in our Fat AF! peer support group! Sliding scale starts at $10. Learn more here.

Bree XVI
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