A Truly Accessible Sangha
This July is the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. For now, this law is still in effect and it's something we can celebrate! I recently learned that in March of 1990 "over 1,000 people marched from the White House to the U.S. Capitol to demand that Congress pass the Americans with Disabilities Act. Upon arrival, about 60 activists, including eight-year-old Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, physically demonstrated the inaccessibility of public spaces by getting out of their wheelchairs or setting aside their mobility aids and crawling up the Capitol steps in an act of civil disobedience that later became known as the Capitol Crawl. Police then arrested 104 activists for unlawful demonstration, many of whom were in their wheelchairs." (Source: Wikipedia). I find this story especially inspiring. And to think that then just three months later, the law was changed to give more access to people with disabilities.
To celebrate Disability Pride, I thought it would be good to reflect on what it would take to make Clouds in Water a truly accessible sangha.
First, I can mention some things that we already offer:
An in-floor hearing induction system in the Zendo for those hard of hearing
Special chairs for those with physical limitations
The opportunity to sit in a chair, lie down or move in meditation
Accommodations for various dietary needs
Refraining from use of incense if someone in a class or retreat has an incense allergy (plus we don't use incense on Sundays as a rule)
Accessible entrance, bathrooms, and zendo
Dimmable lights for those with light sensitivities
AND, if we want to be truly accessible, then we need to educate ourselves more about the things that may be hindrances to our fellow sangha members and participants. Some hindrances are caused by ableism, including consciously or subconsciously considering certain types of bodies and minds superior to others, or perhaps simply seeing "able" bodies and minds as a default without consideration of other ways of being. Therefore, especially for non-disabled folks, our work can begin with a shift in how we see ourselves and each other.
Disability and access is a Dharma Gate for all of us.
We also need to consider how we can uphold the traditions of Soto Zen Buddhism, such as chanting, bowing, silence, and stillness during some activities, while at the same time being open to considering how certain activities may pose difficulties and access issues for some participants. This begins by proactively educating ourselves, listening to each other with open minds, and being willing to be flexible. Teachers can be ready to help students be with any difficulties they are having, preemtively provide accommodations, and make accommodations on the spot where possible.
Finally, while the onus of change should not be on people with disabilities, we can reach out and ask for input from our disabled sangha members and participants. It is my intention to do more of this in the coming year... starting now!
We invite you to fill out this short, anonymous google form, letting us know about your access requirements and ideas for a more accessible Clouds in Water. While a Google form is a limited and imperfect method to collect sangha feedback about disability, it's a start, and we will continue to reach out in a variety of ways.
Bowing,
Sosan Flynn (she/her)
Guiding Teacher
