Protesting While Disabled Pocket Guide

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This Protesting While Disabled Pocket Guide was developed in collaboration between Disability Law United, The Civil Liberties Defense Center, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, and New Disabled South in August 2024.

Oftentimes, direct action culture centers certain bodies, abilities, and ways of showing up. But there are many ways­­ to show up for an action or a movement! Here are just a few:

• Front lines direct action
• Jail Support
• Offering food or supplies to protesters
• Canvasing and building awareness in the community
• Medical Support
• Legal Observing
• Social Media Posting
• What else?

No role or action is more valuable than another. Disabled people often lead the way in building creative, accessible ways of showing up for a cause.

• There’s safety in numbers! If possible, don’t go alone.
• If known, learn the route in advance.
• Write emergency contacts on your arm. (know that your phone may be seized by cops)
• Have meds? Try to keep essential meds on your person in their pill bottle or bring a printed prescription.
• Sensory sensitivities? Carry ear plugs and sunglasses.
• Know health risks of inhaling gas/pepper spray. Carry inhaler, gas mask and goggles if necessary.
• Assistive devices? Bring backup batteries and/or chargers.
• Other mobility needs? Bring a portable stool.
• Pack food and water. If necessary, bring an umbrella for rain or shade from the sun.

• Tell an emergency contact that you plan to protest and make a plan to check in after.
• Tell friends and organizers about your access needs at the event.
• Have a plan for how you and crew will communicate in the event of sound cannons or loud noise, to escape danger, political violence, etc.
• Connect with local harm reduction organizations, and protection and advocacy organizations for additional support

• Say “I have a disability that requires accommodations under the ADA.”
• Ask for that accommodation, understanding that they may not provide it.
• If you have medication on your person, tell them that it is prescribed for your disability.
• If you don’t have your essential medication, let arresting officers and jail staff know and inform jail medical and/or intake of health impacts risks of not taking scheduled medication

• If you aren’t provided with essential medications or accommodations after requesting them, request a grievance package and submit a grievance.
• If possible contact the sheriff and the jail nurse to inform them of your medical needs if they aren’t being met
• If you have a bail hearing while in jail, tell your attorney that you have a disability and whether the jail is providing meds or accommodations.
• Have a plan of who will pick you up when you are released from jail.

• COVID-19 still remains a threat to community safety. Consider the risks prior to attending large crowded events.
• Wear a well-fitting, high filtration mask, such as KN95 or N95 masks.
• Sanitize your hands often.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Maintain physical distancing when possible.