The holiday season is in full swing with festivities happening almost daily in homes, local communities, workplaces, and around the world. People with disabilities celebrate and enjoy the holiday season just like their peers without disabilities. However, holiday-related events and spaces in the community, or in private homes, may not be accessible to or inclusive of guests with disabilities. Some people with disabilities may need a ramp to enter a community center that is hosting a holiday play, while others may need a quiet room during a holiday party at their place of work or allergen-free meals at family holiday gatherings.

Below, you will find just a few examples of evidence-based resources produced by the NIDILRR grantee community which may help in making your holiday events accessible for people with disabilities:

• The ADA National Network serves as a platform to facilitate and support increased implementation of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act across all stakeholders, including Spanish speakers with disabilities. The ADA National Network of 10 regional centers conducts research, provides technical assistance and training related to the rights and responsibilities under the ADA, and raises awareness and knowledge about the ADA. The ADA National Network publishes evidence-based resources in English and Spanish on a variety of ADA-related topics, including accessibility and inclusion. These resources include:
  • Including Older People with Disabilities,
  • A Planning Guide for Making Temporary Events Accessible for People with Disabilities,
  • Accessible Parking,
  • Accessible Lodging,
  • Food Service: Accommodating Diners with Disabilities,
  • ADA Quick Tips – Sign Language Interpreters, and
  • Service Animals.
• The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Employment of People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision improves employment opportunities and outcomes for people who are blind or have low vision by conducting rigorous research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities. This RRTC publishes evidence-based briefs, guides, and plans, among others, related to accessible transportation for people who are blind or have low vision that may be shared by employers, party hosts, and others ahead of holiday events. Hosts may share the Navigating Your Neighborhood Brief (PDF), a Public Transportation Brief (PDF), or a brief on ride hailing services (PDF).
• The Temple University RRTC Community Living and Participation of Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses (TU Collaborative) advances the development of interventions that maximize community living and participation of people with mental illnesses. The TU Collaborative publishes evidence-based resources for people with mental health conditions, researchers, direct service personnel, and peer-run programs, among other stakeholders, to make holiday festivities more inclusive. They include resources on developing welcoming faith communities, programs around the US that are designed to enhance independent living and participation of the Latine community with mental health conditions, creating welcoming environments for workers with disabilities,  and promoting community inclusion through leisure and recreation, among others.

To learn more about these and other products from the NIDILRR community, contact NARIC’s information specialists.