How To Be Disabled Friendly // Top Tips [CC]

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Here's a video that I hope you find helpful if you are planing any kind of event and you want it to be as disabled friendly as possible! It is based on our own experiences, so if you have any more tips please comment down below 👇
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[@annaegan493]

I was looking for a flat/house to rent. I made it very clear I was disabled and use a wheelchair 80% of the time. I'd get call saying we've found this perfect 2nd floor flat for you (without a lift)! Then when Id explain why it's not accessible they'd be like 'oh...so you dont want to view it?'and get kinda annoyed. I'm sorry my wheelchair doesn't have a hover mode, trust me I'm more upset about it than you are!

[@LesbianVenom1]

People don't talk for the sake of it, listen it's a simple exercise obviously they didn't listen, people need to be respectful when they being told something or being spoken to and actually take notes and dot point what the person is saying in their head or write it down if it's important which this was for goodness sake

[@LifeinBonnieland]

Wow! I would lose my mind if a realtor did that to me!

[@danatronics9039]

"I'd love to view it, but it's your job to carry me up the stairs"

[@samanthathomas1825]

The summary appears to be, talk to disabled people about what they need, actually think about things in advance, and just use common sense! Shouldn't be hard!!

[@LesbianVenom1]

100% yes!, I think sometimes Common Sense is a rare commodity! like it's really not hard and it's respectful and thoughtful to be thinking of everyone not just at the start but throughout the whole event and even in the early stages of it being put into the works or whatever it may be that's why you ask questions!! (especially when you're running an event or anything quite frankly!) not if the event or task is going well, but yes 100% yes yes yes!

[@JustMe-es9fj]

As someone who isn't disabled some of this stuff would have passed over my head if I ever invited a disabled person to any events I might host. It's very eye opening and maybe will save me embarrassment and also discomfort for any disabled guests I ever have.

[@ClaireRousseau]

April Fool's video next year needs to be Clara doing her hair in pin curls and smiling on screen whilst complaining about stuff in a really sweet voice. :P

[@claraminguet-borjesson4305]

I am so up for this! I swear a f*** ton so we might need to get me bleeped 😂

[@jessicaoutofthecloset]

+Clara Minguet it will be mainly beeps, side eye and The Minguet Glare (TM) I love it

[@japheh8184]

Claire Rousseau I love your videos I am subscribed

[@tiadeets]

The chairs is so relatable! There's this"health trend" that standing is great and so they only have those really high tables ( not accessible for wheelchairs either) and no chairs! It happened thrice in a month this year and I was getting quite annoyed... I shouldn't have to ask for a chair. It should be common sense. I'll definitely send this video to people because that might help make events more accessible!

[@keetyalexx]

tiadeets I have a back injury and sometimes I can stand for hours and sometimes I need to sit down immediately. It’s so frustrating to have to ask for a chair, like, do they not know people sit?

[@elizabethbulfer4530]

OMG! This video is AMAZING! Phone calls: No, just no. My ASD (autism) causes me a lot of problems with phone calls. First, I have anxiety about being on the phone. Second, if I can't see your face and body language, I'm almost completely useless at interpretting tone of voice (which also ramps up my anxiety) and I'll miss things. Third, if there is ANY background noise on either end, I will not hear a single word, won't remember what we were talking about, and will be unable to refocus. Food: Ugh. How hard is it to put up signs at an event?!?!?! Seriously, a "chicken with bbq sauce" sign would be AMAZING! The amount of things I can't eat (or have to severely limit) is HUGE! Just putting out a sign like "spring salad with lettuce, tomato, onion, croutons" is a life changer! I can make educated guesses about whether or not a food is safe if I know what it is! Having to hunt people down to get a menu is ridiculous. I don't expect to be catered to, but knowing what is in the serving dish makes a HUGE difference. Alcohol: I don't drink anymore. Please, don't make the only options alcohol and water... And don't have just alcohol, water, and funky fruit mocktails. Seriously. Buy a few 2 liters or packs of soda at a warehouse store or something. Out of the overall price of an event, $100 on sodas for non-drinking guests goes a HUGE way towards making people feel comfortable. And have a sugar-free and a sugar&caffeine-free option (there's a caffeine free diet coke and it's amazing). The amount of us that are disabled, sugar-intolerant, AND caffeine intolerant, is amazingly high! (I can have sugar, I canNOT have corn syrup.) Seats: Please don't make me sit on the floor. It's mortifying and degrading... But I cannot stand. Don't have 2 chairs, because trying to get people to move when you "look healthy" is impossible. I also can't get up off the floor without assistance or a lot of pain (frequently sublux my knee getting up). I attended a wedding that INTENTIONALLY had too few chairs at the reception. I was scared to go to the restroom for fear of losing my seat. Parents with small kids were having to sit on the floor on blankets they had in the car. It's terrible! (Side note: at my wedding we had enough chairs in the reception hall for everyone AND asked them to leave several chairs out on the lawn because we had an indoor/outdoor wedding. There were tons of chairs available.) Obviously, this video brought a lot of emotions out of me... So thank you! I've been to a LOT of weddings in the past few years, and only TWO brides (they're twin sisters and really good friends of mine) really made an effort to include me! (They know I'm allergic to nuts and came and pointed out the nut free options on their menus for me!) Another one or two at least had decently accessible weddings. But the other 10-11 were very difficult on me in many, MANY ways!

[@sofiaa2538]

Elizabeth Bulfer Perfect explanation on phonecalls!! That's exactly how it works for me to. I lost count on doctors and nurses that's refused mail, e-mail or face to facemeetings. Even after they know why i can't deal with phonecalls. Floor or lawnsitting, yep done that...

[@butterscotch2730]

What you say about the food is so right! It would be so helpful! I remember situations where I was confused about the cafeteria menu of my university, and I am just a vegetarian, so my diet is not that complicated ^^ it would also be very helpful for allergic people.

[@miriamkorver1443]

@@butterscotch2730 Number one rule for vegetarians: always bring your own food. Don't trust anything else.

[@sunnybugz]

The food thing is SO ACCURATE !! having MCAS and sensory issues (I'm also autistic) is NOT a great time when it comes to food 😔

[@elizabethbulfer4530]

@@sunnybugz we suspect I have MCAS, I also have an esophageal disorder that causes just my esophagus to swell shut if I eat the wrong things (not a systemic allergy), and a finnicky GI system. Not knowing what's in serving dishes is SO SCARY!

[@thriceandonce]

I discovered your channel yesterday and it's honestly such a relief to watch someone who's queer and disabled in similar ways that I am, and not only that, but also talks about it. Thank you so much for taking the time to educate people! 💜

[@marsha831]

'Think it through from the person's perspective' - this is very helpful. We should ask, not assume.

[@sofiaa2538]

People asks me about food. I usually say that i will bring my own, but no people don't want me to.. After i give them a short list of what i can't eat, they always end up thinking that it's best if i bring my own food. Why can't people just trust that i know that they probably can't fix food i can eat and let me bring my own from the start? (my list of things i can't eat are endless, so i just say the 30 most comon things in other peoples diet from that list. And yeah,they usually just stare at me in chock 😂)

[@LiaTanith]

I have the issue that people just don’t ask despite knowing I’m allergic and diabetic (also a bunch of other issues affecting my diet) for some reason people think they already know what I can and cannot eat without asking. If I ever go to events where food will need to happen I bring my own without saying anything about it to save my energy for the actual event. Usually I just don’t go because of health though.

[@cammiehalliday757]

Don't say "Oh your so brave" I hate it. It's my life I'm just going to get on with it

[@StrawberryLil]

This is just outrageous. I've learned so much through your videos and I'm so thankful they exist. OF COURSE you should earn money for your work! What the hell, youtube? Get your sh*t together and let people educate other people.

[@cedriclucas3294]

When you're dyslexic and miss out the word "friendly" when reading the title...

[@nancy.g-son]

Cedric Lucas So you wanted to know how to be disabled? 😄😂

[@cedriclucas3294]

Nancy G-son nah just wanna see Jessica hahaha

[@cupcakexlindsay]

Cedric Lucas I'm not even dyslexic and my brain skipped over the word friendly the first few times I read it 🙈

[@cedriclucas3294]

cupcakexlindsay hahaha :D

[@keetyalexx]

My mom works in disability inclusion in Jewish education and the amount of things people don’t think of is staggering. My mom has an invisible disability, I have more than one, and I really could have used her employer when I was a student. (For me, most things come down to show me the elevator and show me the bathroom!)

[@nymeria941]

I remember once someone provided a ramp as accommodation for someone who was deaf (and not also a wheelchair user) . . . like, not sure how they thought that would be helpful? you live and learn, I suppose.

[@jessicaoutofthecloset]

+Anna Morgan oh god that's so classically awful! 😂

[@ThatSpazChick]

You should hear about all the times Deaf people are offered wheelchairs at airports.

[@sophiehatter525]

Maybe the staff member is just told the person coming is disabled, but not what their disability is?

[@cherylynl.tompkins7049]

@@sophiehatter525 That's what I'm thinking too. When I've made a flight reservation, I check that I'm disabled. When bags get checked at the curb, I alert them that I'm disabled (if not already in wheelchair) and that I'll need assistance. That person makes a call over radio for assistance and I've noticed that they automatically bring a wheelchair to bring people through security. Maybe they are taught to do this regardless of what disability since no specifics are asked when making reservations? They really should ask for specific needs of each individual (wheelchair, sign language interpretation, assistance for the blind, etc).

[@annieinwonderland]

@@cherylynl.tompkins7049 in Australia we have the sunflower lanyards program, its fantastic for transport, so on your lanyard is a brief about you and a communication point/ board and it comes in 2 colours 1 I am up for a chat about disability. 2 I need help but don't want to talk about disability. It's customer friendly as when you apply before hand is when you discuss your needs.

[@jennyhorner]

Not even being able to drink soft drinks does make me feel really awkward in social situations. It is daunting making events accessible to everyone though, even when you're a disabled person working for a disability charity (as has sometimes been my experience), especially if it's a sort of open, public event that people haven't emailed to say they're coming to. I think people will be more forgiving if they have unusual requirements though. There are major boxes to tick like no steps, and sensory ones like as you say an interpreter also not having the environment unnecessarily loud or bright.

[@marshalla.7956]

2 of my aunts have diabetes and I always try to have food and drinks even if they don't constantly come over and i hate when holidays involving chocolate they don't get anything when there's a famous chocolate store in my country that makes chocolate for literally everyone

[@koalacutiepie2539]

Can you order from the store online?

[@nicoleduckery4067]

Nicely said. It's true that you don't really understand what it means to be disabled until it happens to you or you become their assistant. My sister has been in a wheelchair for 12 years now; we had to learn we couldn't do things last minute like we used to. There has to be a plan, etc. Thanks for sharing.

[@TessaAvonlea]

I once went to an event organised by a very well known disability charity. IThey were great about asking for access needs in advance but on arrival, they decided we had to wait in a queue for half an hour to register. No chairs, no one to speak to to explain I can't stand. Just a very long queue of disabled people. Clearly they had just forgotten to think it through. It goes to show how even when people have the best intentions and make an effort, they can still get it wrong.

[@HannahHodgson]

Yes! So needed! I am a poet and attend events where it is plainly obvious that no one has thought about access 🙄. I have just made a video about planning to do things even though I have a degenerative illness, so people making plans to allow me to do things is super important. There's no point in me getting my plans ready if I can't do them! I love your off the shoulder top. It suits you soooo much :) Xx

[@GeorginasJourney]

Hannah Hodgson hi Hannah! I didn't know you're a fan of Jessica too 😂 (I watch illness/disability related videos on this channel because I used to want to keep it separate & I used to make videos about it too but got scared and deleted them 😂)

[@Stuartette]

Sometimes I kind of dream of making a public pool that is disability and age friendly. People in wheelchairs can swim, and there would be more than one of the pool lifts.

[@miriamkorver1443]

In swimming pools that I know have pool lifts, they have four or five of them... I can't imagine a pool only having one. That's going to cause lines.

[@StrawberryLil]

I just wrote the longest comment and then accidentally clicked on delete! Aaaah! So :D Thank you for this! Sadly, I'm sure that I would make some mistakes privately (like asking a deaf person to communicate via phone call. That definitely sounds like something I would do) because sometimes my brain forgets things, especially if I do two things at once. I'll try to prevent that from happening though, I promise! And if I will ever organize an event where disabled people are invited, I'll do everything to meet their needs. Because if I've learnt one thing from this, and many other videos you uploaded, it's that you need to ask what people need. And I will never forget that. Thank you for educating us on such an important topic!

[@yvonnezimmer7246]

What a lovely video! Since you do mostly lip read, can you 'lip read' that Clara or people generally speaks/speak with an accent? I have been asking myself that from the very first video she was in ^^'

[@Rachel-fi4sc]

I know I'm late to the party in replying, but my mother knew a deaf woman who knew within five seconds that my mother spoke with an accent because of her mouth shape when speaking. I know that's not the be-all-end-all, but clearly some people with hearing impairments can.

[@kelleyo6896]

Random question: Does England have something like video phone and video relay services for communications between Deaf and hearing individuals?

[@TheRavenLilian]

Do you have any advice for people who are disabled, have allergies, or some other condition in dealing with events and organizers? I always get nervous about asking for what I need because I have more than one issue and sometimes people get really annoyed or even hostile or passive aggressive.

[@kickdropacoin]

I'm a librarian and I will say that I'm very much still learning to work with my patrons with various disabilities. Practice makes perfect! :) People also do panic and run to me the minute they have a communication barrier. "The "Deaf" ASL teacher is nearing the desk - call x!"

[@shushuchan2913]

most of these things seem really obvious but people are just not thinking sometimes. the diet thing is kind of difficult, I think, because a lot of people have dietary restrictions and it's easy to loose sight of every single one. So I usually ask my guests to let me know beforehand or expect them to tell me on their own if there's something they really can't eat.

[@Katherine-ds2ft]

Clara is so nice you're so lucky to have support from her and Claud ❤❤ . P.s thinking of you and hope you will feel stronger soon after your latest stumble!

[@ezrap743]

I told someone I have a slight difficulty hearing (specific pitches are hard or if people mumble to quickly and i have tinnitus) they proceeded to yell the entire conversation. Then asked where my hearing aids were. (I dont have hearing aids because my hearing is really not that bad) I guess they just over assumed, it was rather peculiar

[@hr981]

I totally relate to the wedding bit about food!! I am type 1 diabetic and very prone to low blood sugars and also have dietary restrictions and allergies so it's a struggle going to events sometimes. Once I went to a wedding that was 4 hours away in the countryside and thankfully I planned ahead and bought some food in my bag which I was glad I did because I couldn't eat anything at the wedding unfortunately and a lot of places don't have diet coke 🙄 which would be helpful. I do get rude comments when I order food and ask for a diet coke, some people tell me diet coke is bad or just drink water or raise their eyebrows and it's so frustrating!!! Anyways very useful videos because everyone is different and I've learnt a lot

[@lynn858]

I’m really glad to have confirmation that my policy of providing fruit at events, and brining cut fruit to any kind of “bring food” event works for MANY people. For maximum accommodation of a group of people who’s food needs you don’t know in detail: serve fruit in separate containers on a tray as there is a wide range of fruit allergies. If you’re going to go to the effort of separate containers though, wash the knife and cutting board in between. What makes me a bit crazy, as the event staff who handles food is guests who ignore the space provided for specifying food sensitivities - but then ask me later if something is present. Maybe I need to write a paragraph explaining? “Please include information on your food sensitivities, or severe allergies so that I can pay attention when preparing food and provide you with accurate and specific recommendations on foods that may be problematic for you. Because I really want to make sure everyone is well fed!” And I have the experience that I CAN accommodate your needs, IF I KNOW. (I realize that not providing me info is on them, not me, but I give a damn) That said, if brining your own food is what will ensure you have a safe and stress free time - I am absolutely fine with that. Also, it mystifies me why you wouldn’t provide seating for people. There are so many reasons people may be better off seated - temporary injury, long term mobility issues, pregnancy, I can’t stand and hold the baby/toddler who is only going to be quiet in my arms, heart problems, age, I feel dizzy/nauseated for no reason, I can’t find the thing in my purse, I need to tie my shoe and I’m more stable when I’m sitting... Just provide seating! Normal height seating. Example of good event planning: Planning a concert for the staff of a large company. In advance, “If you would benefit from having seating provided, please note on the rsvp so we can ensure we provide adequate seating” If you had requested seating, it was on your ticket, and you were guaranteed a chair/wheelchair parking) in an area where you could see the stage. My friend of course didn’t want to request a seat, because she “might be taking it away from someone who’s actually disabled” To which I explained that is precisely why they’re asking in advance - to ensure everyone is best accommodated, not just the MOST in need. Reserve the seat. She had a good time. And was able to walk and drive without severe pain for the next week! There were also extra seats available if people decided during the event that they wanted to sit, but you couldn’t really see the stage.

[@WiggleIsWiggly]

The world should be more accessible in general without people having to ask. Pisses me off how many places you have to specifically ask for ramps or whether they have an accessible toilet because anxiety 😭

[@LesbianVenom1]

I like how well you mesh together with your friendship, and I like how your bringing more attention to simple things like events, I don't think people can realize how ignorant they can be (not even that sometimes they just don't ask the questions wooo disability no we can't ask that) even though you may have freely mentioned it and everyone is built differently in many ways and of course there is polite and tactful way to do it if you need to ask further questions no one should feel like they need to be ashamed for what they feel is necessary for them to be comfortable and not isolated, I mean sometimes yes it's hard to re-bring up what your disabilities are and all that (even things like sexuality honestly many many things) but when planning an event it's good to cover all the bases and have the right venue I mean it's exactly the same with someone who may have food restriction to their diet

[@darkdirtyalfa]

I’m not disabled but I have gastritis and a horrible flare up just in time for my boyfriends’ cousin wedding. Now, I’m mexican and we live in Mexico, menu was spicy soup (cant eat cause spicy), and mole (cant eat it cause spicy). So I only ate the dessert. And I couldnt drink alcohol cause gastritis plus no food and I dont drink soda so i went to a wedding where I only had water.

[@zoeordman9712]

Jessica! Thank you for this video so informative! As a thought for a video could you do top tips for doctors/ nurses heath workers on how to help people with disabilities from your perspective? I am doctor and I love your videos! And any top tips on how to make people feel less awful when they have to be admitted to hospital/ come to a clinic appointment etc would be much appreciated, especially in an acute setting we don’t have the benefit of being able to plan ahead so tips would be great!

[@like90]

I have anxiety too and I hate phones so much.

[@emmymorris7648]

“What were you expecting to happen here? Your emails have cured me? They have not!” Love this! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@crotchesbackpockets7170]

My sister and I have often considered being disability consultants (I use a w/c, she's not disabled), especially when we go to local concert venues. It's a job!

[@blueberryscone3798]

I want the Clara pretending to be Jessica video to happen

[@sophiemccormick6796]

I'm trying to learn some sign and watching your old videos of such a nice way to do it I know a little bsl and I can finger spell put the problem is I'm dyslexic so find it hard getting the letters of the words right so I'm not sure it would be very easy to understand

[@sophiemccormick6796]

You look so different and so does Claudia (I remember her from the live about carers)

[@michelletackett9489]

I have nine disabilities and it is very hard. Nothing serious, but it does hamper my life and people can be so mean just because they are scared of me. I have no idea.

[@sunnybugz]

having a sugar allergy is HELL at events. no, i CANT drink that soda. please just give me a coke zero and some vegetables 😭

[@sunnybugz]

ALSO the next person to have no chairs at their event is getting hit with my cane. I can't stand for more than 30 minutes without being in pain, and on a bad day it's a limit of 5 minutes FSJSHSJ

[@mccrnlmhabs1295]

aye... Clara is present ^_^

[@ekathrynwilms7621]

Thank you for the helpful hints.

[@southerncurltara]

You should do a makeup/wardrobe swap with your friend/caregiver (care-er is a word autocorrect doesn’t want to recognize). She looks eerily like you only more tan! ;) One of the side effects of spending so much time together? Lol Great video. Could/would you do a different angle... for when able-bodied folks are asked to come to a predominantly disabled function? For example, I was invited to speak at a blind convention. My host was WONDERFUL and explained everything - every step of the way. He told me not to be offended that people would be multi-tasking while I spoke. He explained the technology he used to converse via email. And he helped lighten the mood once I was on stage by telling me that I could stand up to get a closer look because no one would seeeee me. 😅 It was one of the most positive and memorable experiences of my career. I wish we were still in touch and I’d ask him to do a video!

[@chaelao.4321]

Where is clara from? Love her accent

[@electricbikerider]

Loved the vlog, great advice and humour. 👍🏻😀

[@TheSneakyFox93]

So, I just watched the 50k livestream and so I’ve been unusually conscious of the subscriber numbers and I’m pretty sure you’ve gained 1,000 subscribers in the evening I’ve been binging your videos.

[@cupcakexlindsay]

I love your videos! ❤️

[@LizTiddington]

have you watched Sinead Burke's "design should include everyone" TED talk? very interesting and I think you'd like it 😘😘

[@kirk93814]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!199,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW x 199,000!!!!!!!!

[@kellymburton]

We have services for deaf people to use the phone in the US that's probably why they asked for a phone?

[@smurph4959]

Really interesting, thank you 💗🌹🌸🌻

[@nancy.g-son]

I am in love with your hairstyle! 40s style. Gonna try it out for myself.

[@snappeasims]

This is so funny and informative!

[@analorena6832]

5:45 I ALSO NEED THAT IN MY LIFE PLEASE MAKE IT HAPPEN

[@spiderbits2923]

Clara's lipstick is fantasic

[@elizabethsproule5227]

Love this hairdo Jessica!

[@madisonbertrand217]

how does jessica understand what clara is saying? i’m not saying she’s faking it, of course, but unless she’s REALLY good at lip reading, she must have some hearing, does she?

[@thewildonesappear6594]

Madison Bertrand A mix of hearing aids, lip reading and guessing based on the context of the conversation.

[@sillygoosetaur]

she has hearing aids! and she’s probably around clara a lot, which means that it’s eaiser to know her speech patterns and lip read

[@saranapoli3088]

Is Clara italian?

[@bouutiquems3578]

The one without disability is the bitter and cynical one. Oh how this world works. No hate. I'm bitter and cynical myself.

[@DoomyRei]

Why did you abandoned your previous series

[@DoomyRei]

Hey why did you delete your Twitter

[@latisha334]

If she's deaf...how can she hear her assistant talking?

[@NotMykl]

You know there are various levels of deafness - from hearing impaired all the way through to completely deaf. She can lipread and she has a video describing what she can and can't hear.

[@sofiaa2538]

Who are you asking? She isn't unable to think and answer questions. I find it quite rude to ask others about things instead of adressing Jessica. Ofc others can answer if they know but it's just yeah.

[@kateroberts7772]

Claudia you must be a saint 😁

[@Flutterfly78]

Please do a video on you making Clara all vintage glam and Clara making over you in her style. She seems like a awesome PA to have and great when they get on well with your pets too x x