Access Narrative Handbook
This page covers the Access Narrative accessibility and inclusion guidelines, as well as instructions on how to use Zoom.
Trans-inclusive
Including Name & Pronouns
In these session, we are encouraged to put our chosen name and pronouns in our usernames.
This normalises sharing pronouns and helps reduce pronoun and gender assumptions.
If your name or pronouns change during the course of the group, please feel free to reflect this in your Zoom name.
What if we get pronouns wrong?
Aim to correct our sentence with accurate pronouns.
Not apologise more than once for our mistake so we can move on swiftly.
If someone corrects us, we try not to be defensive or justify our mistake.
If we notice someone using the incorrect pronouns, we might chose to help by gently correct them.
What if we don’t understand certain terminology?
As with any lived experience or well-known or researched topic, there will be certain phrases or terms that other people aren't familiar with. In the first instance, please look up this term independently.
If you’re looking for information on Using Gendered Pronouns, please read Ennis’s blog post, linked!
Neurodivergent-friendly
Social Interaction
Sometimes interacting can be challenging depending on what kind of pressure or stresses we’ve faced during the day.
In this case, we might choose to spend our time during the session conserving our energy by keeping our camera off and/or mic off.
Verbalisation
It is not compulsory to verbalise during our sessions. Some of us might not have the energy or capability speak, but still be engaged and involved in the session.
In cases where a writer is communicating via the chat, we will hold space to hear and respond to this form of communication during our sessions.
Behavioural Assumptions
Many neurodivergent people are forced to mask their natural behaviours and communication methods to avoid negative impressions such as being seen as uninterested, bored, or annoyed.
Masking can use a lot of brain power that we would rather spend thinking about other things such as writing!
So please be patient and generous with your assumptions of other members of the group and pay attention to what is being communicated directly, rather than relying on traditional social cues.
Moments of Pause
Ennis will be leaving moments of pause for people to gather their thoughts and respond at their own pace. In these moments, please do not feel pressure to fill the silence or speak before you are ready to.
Some of us find our words getting muddy, not coming our right, or it takes us a bit longer to make our mouth say what our brain is thinking. Please be patient, provide an accepting space, and allow extra time for us.
Trauma-informed
Content Warnings
To best protect those of us in the community with trauma, please provide a content warning before going into thematic or explicit details of topics that could be distressing.
For example, a passing mention of child abuse would not need a content warning, but if you were to go into anymore emotional or practical detail you would need to provide a content warning.
Planned Sharing (Optional Activity)
If you are sharing your writing ahead of a session, usually for the purpose of group feedback or due to a planned reading, you will be asked to provide content warnings upon submission. Ennis will share these content warnings and the time the reading will end, so those who wish to step out know when to rejoin the session.
Mailing-List Consent
If you consent to receive email reminders before group sessions, or sign up for the Access Narrative Mailing or Waiting list, you can withdraw your consent at any time. Simply let Ennis know at enniswelbourne@gmail.com.
Persistent Demand for Autonomy
The writing community often gives advice on when, what and how to write. All of these suggestions can seem like demands.
For marginalised writers, who often face pressure to conform, these demands can trigger feelings of being controlled, judged, and placed into an unfair hierarchy without our consent. This can suffocate creativity and block our ability to participate.
Ennis will be guiding the session which might trigger a need to reject or escape a perceived demand. If you feel this way, please follow your instincts and only participate in ways that are comfortable for you.
Every activity and interaction in this group is optional. If these feelings are stopping you from interacting or making it difficult for you to participate, please reach out to Ennis.
Anti-Oppressive Values
In our groups, we will be mindful of existing structures of power and place value in working against them.
This section draws from a brilliant post by a group member. Thank you!
Being hurt by a microaggression is not an overreaction.
This is a form of violence that makes a space become unsafe and exclusionary. We are collectively responsible for the health of all group members, and are expected to care for each other.
We will not prioritize politeness over safety.
Starting uncomfortable conversations may cause tension and disruption, but we will actively appreciate, empathise with, and listen to those who do this labour.
We will not debate or hold an 'impartial' space for oppressive opinions.
We will not support discriminatory views even if they are shared subtly or 'nicely'. It is expected practice for these views to be challenged collectively.
Attendance
Sometimes we might decide we don’t want to attend anymore, perhaps;
This group isn’t the right fit for your project or current writing needs.
It’s one too many commitments.
You’ve run out of energy or motivation to keep attending.
If you decide to stop attending, or otherwise who you’ll be absent for a session, please let me know if possible! :)
Otherwise, you might desire to leave because;
You’ve missed a few session and feel it would be weird / awkward to re-join.
You’ve had a difficult interaction with another member of the group.
Find the group inaccessible or a certain aspect makes you uncomfortable.
If you experience any of the above, please reach out to me. <3
Joining the Zoom Session
When you click the Zoom link, a new tab will automatically open in your internet browser. You then have the option to either download Zoom or run Zoom through your browser.
See the below slides on using Zoom for information on how to download zoom, open Zoom in browser, and guidelines on Zoom call etiquette. You can also download these images if you like!
