Listening ACCESSability

For those of us who live in parts of the world with (non-livable) subzero temperatures in the winter with shorter days and pitch dark commutes to and from work- it’s that time of year! Don’t get me wrong, the winter blues haven’t arrived just yet! With beautiful displays of lights and holiday cheer still in the air, it’s safe to say its definitely a festive time for most! As you prepare to gather this holiday season, here are a few things to keep in mind so everyone can have a good time (Remember, what might be uniquely important for some people can benefit everyone involved!):

-Consider small gatherings with fewer people

-Limit background noise (e.g. background music, pots clanging, close doors between groups if possible)

-Consider the seating arrangements; favour an arrangement where everyone can be seen

-If someone uses a remote microphone, consider placing it in the middle of the table (make sure it is in group/table mode)

-If gathering outside, remember that windy days and winter hats/scarves can make it hard to hear

-In larger gatherings with many different groups of friends, name tags can be a quick and easy way to relieve added stress

-If playing games, consider the objectives and whether it is conducive to the group/environment you are in (e;g. Charades – mostly visual vs. Taboo- important to hear the clues given)

-Designate a quiet space (other than the washroom, haha) where people can go for some downtime

These are just a few (okay, a great many) suggestions…

If you remember nothing else, bear in mind that listening fatigue will affect us ALL this holiday season. You will spend energy trying to follow conversations in loud environments, playing the party games amidst a din of different conversations and giggling with friends while at a holiday party with loud music. Some of us will notice the energy spent and need to retreat to conserve or replenish. Others of us will party hard the whole way through- with the mentality of ‘we’ll stop when we die’! Whatever you do this holiday season- be kind to your ears, and your body, and those you’re celebrating with. You need not to be exposed to blast to damage your hearing- prolonged exposure to noise is damaging as well! Okay, okay, I’m getting off my soap box now.

It probably seems weird for me to be talking about the Winter Blues when we haven’t gotten through the holiday season yet. I bring it up only because although the holiday season is meant to be fun and uplifting, it can also be stressful, daunting and exhausting- for everyone involved. The emotional load for those with specific accessibility needs can be sometimes overwhelming: do I disclose to everyone I meet, keep quiet or smile and nod, dominate the conversation so I won’t mishear and answer awkwardly? Needless to say, there’s a lot at play here! Purposefully considering your event and whether there may be barriers to access can make a huge difference for all involved. And, while winter and the colour blue are two of my least favorite things- I recognize that wonderful things have come from winter (I’m a winter baby!), and contain the colour blue (e.g. delicious blueberries and a clear blue sky on a hot summer day).

Relish the tender moments this holiday season- both the colourful ones and those that seem cold and blue (blue snowcone anyone?). From my family to yours, Happy Holidays and may 2023 be bright and prosperous!