RosethornRanger (it/its) 🏳️⚧RosethornRanger@spore.social
Sep 20, 2026, 2:05 PMAccessibility isn't for the people who "need" it, it is for the people it helps. That is probably one of the biggest things I see people get wrong about it
Replies
Vayl Larkin (they/them)VaylLarkinPoet@disabled.socialSep 20, 2026, 2:28 PM@RosethornRanger I'd add that Not using accessibility tools when you, "only need them sometimes", can directly result in more extreme, long-term disability. I danced through severe arthritis and spinal deterioration until I was 32, and I was a"hero". By 40, I couldn't walk more than a few meters on my own. Please listen to your body and do what it tells you to do, even if you feel weak for it, even if someone else makes you feel bad, even if you're really scared. It's entirely worth it. <3
Nandor 🏳️🌈nandor@universeodon.comSep 20, 2026, 2:49 PM@VaylLarkinPoet @RosethornRanger Funnily enough, I'm reading your comments right now as someone whose back went out (for the first time) two days ago, currently making liberal use of a cane / ibuprofen / a heating pad, and contemplating what I'm going to do for an important work event on Tuesday I'm supposed to be at.
I was going to just power through it--but now I think I'll just stay home and ask that they stream the event so that I can tune in remotely. (The event is set up for it--all I have to do is ask!)
- Vayl Larkin (they/them)VaylLarkinPoet@disabled.socialSep 20, 2026, 10:43 PM
@nandor @RosethornRanger I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to tell me this. I'm acutely aware (from being a sometimes-lurker), that it takes energy to respond, even when you read something that helps. Gave me a boost knowing you were going to take a little more care, given how important that is and how hard it seems to be for All of us hehe. Thank you again! :)
- Nandor 🏳️🌈nandor@universeodon.comSep 21, 2026, 12:12 AM
@VaylLarkinPoet @RosethornRanger You're welcome! Part of the reason I responded was to communicate that your post had some real impact. ; ) The timing of your post was completely eerie for me, and quite a sign that I should take it easy.
BTW, I'm now walking again after several hours this morning of being almost completely bedbound, due to lots of relaxation, some light exercises, and some very powerful pain drugs. I have NEVER before felt so immobile/helpless and have a new appreciation of people like you who deal with mobility/disability issues every day. I'm well aware that my mobility issues could return at any time (including possibly tonight), and will speak up in situations where I see an opportunity to make events or places more accommodating to people with disabilities.