Tips for an Inclusive and Joyful Holiday Season

The most wonderful time of the year is finally upon us! Crank up the Christmas music, get the decorations out, and start planning those holiday parties.

I know some of you cannot even begin to think about anything Christmas-related until after Thanksgiving. But I am definitely NOT one of those people. For me, the Christmas season starts when the last piece of candy is handed out on Halloween.

As a child, Christmas was such a magical time of the year. The lights, songs, decorations, food, and traditions are still vividly etched in my mind. I guess that’s why, as an adult, I still love the Christmas season so much.

This time of year is notorious for being busy. It is always packed with family gatherings, parties, dinners, and various holiday-related activities. For someone with a mobility disability, all these activities can sometimes add a layer of stress. But with a little forethought, it doesn’t have to.

If you are attending a big event, having a small dinner party at your house, or going to a holiday program, there are a few simple things you can do to eliminate potential issues, such as preplanning and making simple adjustments or adaptations. Most importantly, remember that no one wants to be left out, so make your gathering inclusive and accessible. Living with a disability shouldn’t stop anyone from having a great time with family and friends.

Here are some tips and recommendations for making this holiday season fun, accessible, and inclusive for everyone.

I am a power wheelchair user, and anytime I am invited to a new place, the first thing I do is find out about accessibility:

Is the event location wheelchair accessible?
Is the main entrance accessible, or is there an alternate entry that is accessible?
Is there wheelchair-accessible parking on site?
Are there wheelchair-accessible bathrooms?

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It’s important to remember that just because a venue is open to the public does not guarantee that it is truly accessible. It’s always better to find out beforehand so there aren’t any surprises when you arrive.

If you are hosting a gathering at your home and want to invite someone who uses a wheelchair, there are things to think about and discuss with the person well before the day of the gathering, such as:

Is a ramp needed for a wheelchair user to enter the house? (Some wheelchair users have portable ramps they could bring or you can rent a ramp.)
Are the doors in your home wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through? (This could be an issue in older homes.)
Will there be enough space for a wheelchair user to move around your home? (Furniture can easily be moved out of the way or to another room.)
Is there an accessible bathroom in your home? Or an accessible private space? (Wheelchair users have all kinds of bathroom hacks, they just need to know ahead of time so they are prepared.)

Take notice that all these tips revolve around one key aspect: communication! It’s always better to ask than to assume. Whether you are the host or an attendee, take a little bit of time on the front end to discuss any accessibility concerns. That way, everyone can relax and thoroughly enjoy the festivities.

Most importantly, remember that the holiday season is a time for togetherness, celebration, and joy!

Author’s Bio: Bliss Welch is a wheelchair mobile, working mom to teen Annabelle and engaged to her high school sweetheart Rusty. During her teen years she was diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2B/R2. Bliss is a disability rights advocate, founder of ‘Inclusion is Bliss’, Quantum Brand Ambassador and former Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee.