An ecological approach to self-reflections on the inaccessibility of arts and cultural activities to wheelchair users

• Published in: Disability & society Vol. 39; no. 5; pp. 1276 - 1296
• Main Author: Ma, Gloria Yuet Kwan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 27.05.2024; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: ableism; Access; Arts; Assistive Technology; Cultural activities; Culture; Ecological studies; Empowerment; human rights; medical model of disability; Muscular dystrophy; Music; Organizational research; People with disabilities; Personal experiences; social inclusion; stigma; Storytelling
• ISSN: 0968-7599; 1360-0508
• DOI: 10.1080/09687599.2022.2142522

First, as a fan of live music and a power wheelchair user living with congenital muscular dystrophy, I use critical storytelling to describe my personal experiences of negotiating for accessibility during participation in arts and cultural activities. Second, I reflect broadly on the ableist ideologies that contribute to the inaccessibility of arts and cultural activities, focusing on the narrow scope of target participants, the ableist rationale for accessibility service provision, the inaccessibility of promotional materials and ticketing, segregated seating arrangements, venue inaccessibility, and single-modal performance. Third, I highlight the detrimental impact of the inaccessibility of arts and cultural activities at the organizational, social, intergroup, interpersonal, and individual levels. Finally, I propose future research directions and suggestions for inclusive practice in arts and cultural activities. This paper aims to promote self-empowerment, unravel the manifestations of ableism in arts and cultural activities, and stimulate readers' critical reflection on in/accessibility of arts and cultural activities. As a power wheelchair user living with congenital muscular dystrophy in Hong Kong, I reflect on how my first-hand experiences of going to more than 60 live concerts and some other arts and cultural activities across five places reinforce discrimination and stereotypes against wheelchair users. I provide examples of my real-life scenarios to illustrate the discrimination against wheelchair users in cultural and arts activities. Examples include experiences in the purchase of concert tickets, inquiries about accessible seating options, communication with venue staff, and interactions with my companions during concerts. I reflect on the impact of the discrimination and barriers of arts and cultural activities. I provide examples of inclusive practices that can promote the accessibility of arts and cultural activities. The writing process is a self-empowering. It helps organize and express my emotions and thoughts regarding the barriers encountered in arts and cultural activities.