Access Narrative Handbook
This page covers participation and accessibility guidelines, to provide additional information for those who need it – as well as instructions on how to use Zoom.
Participation
Verbal Interaction
It is not compulsory to verbalise during our sessions. Some of us might not have the energy or capability speak, and still be engaged and involved in the session.
In cases where a writer is communicating via the chat, we will hold space as a group to hear and respond to this form of communication during our sessions.
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.
Autonomy
Content Warnings
Group members are not expected to provide content warnings before verbally sharing their experiences.
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 – let Ennis know at enniswelbourne@gmail.com or by replying ‘x’ to the email chain you wish to be removed from.
Anti-Oppressive
In our groups, we will be mindful of existing structures of power. We will not prioritise politeness over safety. 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'. This section draws from a brilliant post by a previous group member. Thanks Sam!
Using Pronouns
Including 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 the accurate pronouns.
Not apologise more than once for our mistake so we can move on swiftly.
Attendance
If you’ve booked onto a group and know you’ll be absent for the session, I always appreciate an email letting me know.
If you’ve decided not to attend anymore, I would also appreciate this update. I expect that commitment levels, writing needs, and energy levels can change over time effecting our desire or ability to attend.
If you’re thinking of leaving 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.
Please let me know so I can see if there’s anything I can do to make the group accessible to you.
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!
