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How do I know if a disability support service is actually accessible or just performative?

Performative accessibility is everywhere—ramps that lead nowhere, 'inclusive' language from people who've never asked disabled people what we actually need. Sor Juana wrote about the difference between appearance and substance; she'd recognize this immediately. Real accessibility lives in details. Ask: Are there multiple ways to access information (visual, audio, text)? Can you reach someone by phone, email, and chat? Do they have a clear process for requesting accommodation, or do you have to fight and explain yourself each time? Talk to current users if possible—they'll tell you whether staff treat disability as an inconvenience or a reality. Watch whether leadership includes disabled people in decision-making, not just as beneficiaries. And notice: Do they adapt when you point out something doesn't work, or do they get defensive? Systems that listen and adjust aren't perfect, but they're honest. Accessibility requires humility and revision. That's the difference between service and exploitation.

Related questions

What questions should I ask before using a disability service?
Ask: What accommodations do you offer? Can I request something not on your list? How long does accommodation take? Who do I contact if something doesn't work? Are disabled people involved in your decision-making? What happens if I disclose my disability?
How do I complain about inaccessible services constructively?
Be specific. Instead of 'your website isn't accessible,' say 'I can't navigate the booking system with a screen reader.' Suggest solutions when possible. Document everything. Go up the chain if needed. Real organizations want to improve.
Are disability services required by law to be accessible?
Laws vary by country and region, but many require accessibility in programs receiving public funding. Check your local disability rights laws. Even without legal mandate, ethical service means actual access, not surface-level accommodation.
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