Voices & StoriesInvolving family in emergency planning reduces anxiety
By Anonymous • Posted on February 3, 2021
How has the Disaster Access and Resources Program changed your life?
It’s made me realize I could be better prepared. Even with past training it’s good to update and change things. It’s important to start if you don’t have a plan especially with everything going on right now. If an emergency happens I want to make sure I have everything I need. I’m very appreciative of the plan. Once we sit down with our family members and friends we want them to all sit down and disaster plan too.
How do you feel about how ACC has helped you prepare for disasters and emergencies? How did you feel before?
I feel more than I expected. I didn’t know you offered these types of things. I thought I would have to do research but it was easy to do it with one person and one agency. Especially for someone with anxiety issues researching multiple agencies can be overwhelming for somebody.
I was not ready but now I am.
-Dominique, Consumer of Lauren Utterback, Independent Living Advocate
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[title] => Consumer, Jheng-Han, talks about how working with ACC has helped him
[author] => Anonymous
[article] =>
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[date] => 2021-02-03
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[title] => Consumer shares how receiving a Chromebook has changed her life
[author] => Anonymous
[article] =>
The COVID-19 Pandemic has shifted most services, appointments, and social gatherings to take place virtually, and having access to a computer has become more important than ever. In the above video, one of our consumers talks about how essential having access to a computer is for her and how receiving a Chromebook through ACC has benefitted her.
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[title] => Tips for Being an Ally to People with Disabilities
[author] => Jacob Lesner-Buxton
[article] =>
1. Listen and believe our experiences.
When we say something is inaccessible or that we’ve experienced discrimination, believe us. Avoid minimizing or questioning our experiences; access barriers may not be visible to you, but they are real to us.
2. Ask how to offer support before stepping in.
If you want to help, start by asking if and how we’d like your support, especially in public situations. Respect our preferences, even if they differ from what you expect.
3. Be honest, respectful, and direct.
Treat people with disabilities as equals. Communicate honestly and avoid being overly cautious or performative; authenticity builds trust.
4. Learn with us, not about us.
Attend disability-related events, trainings, and celebrations. Support disability-led organizations, amplify our voices, and encourage others to do the same.
5. Understand that disability experiences are diverse.
Disability intersects with race, class, gender, sexuality, and culture. Recognize that no single person represents all disability experiences.
6. Respect boundaries around questions and privacy.
If you’re curious about someone’s disability, ask respectfully, and be okay if they prefer not to discuss it. No one owes an explanation about their body or experience.
7. Use inclusive language and honor preferences.
If you’re unsure about what terms to use (e.g., “disabled person” vs. “person with a disability”), it’s okay to ask what someone prefers. Language matters, and being flexible shows respect.
8. Be comfortable being uncomfortable.
Allies make mistakes; what matters is listening, apologizing when needed, and continuing to learn. Don’t let fear of imperfection stop you from showing up in solidarity.
