Making it accessible
Accessibility is an ongoing, thoughtful process shaped by the people involved. To make involvement meaningful for people living with dementia, we need to take time to understand who they are, how they experience the world, and what might help or hinder their involvement.
The saying “when you’ve met one person with dementia, you’ve met one person with dementia” is key. Everyone brings different strengths, identities, preferences, and experiences. What supports one person may not work for another; and what works today might not work tomorrow. Building accessibility into involvement means being willing to adapt, listen, and learn.
This includes:
- Physical accessibility: Is the venue welcoming and easy to navigate? Are toilets clearly signed? Is transport support available?
- Cognitive accessibility: Are materials and meetings paced and presented in ways that are understandable and not overwhelming?
- Communication accessibility: Are we using clear, respectful language? Are we creating space for different communication styles to share narratives?
- Digital accessibility: Are digital tools easy to use and do people have support if needed?
Cultural humility matters throughout. People’s values, communication styles, and needs may be shaped by culture, background, or lived experience. Being accessible means slowing down, asking rather than assuming, and remaining open to doing things differently.