As the first week of #UCUStrikesBack ends, a few thoughts on how we can #CripTheStrike and centre access & disability justice in @ucu industrial action

This is of particular resonance given the pay gaps, and numbers of us disabled, ill & neurodiverse people in precarious work 1/

Beyond the below 'access-by-numbers' approach, disability justice and the social model of disability must be inherent to union practice and #UCUStrikesBack action. Or else we risk reproducing the very same institutional systems and practices we rally to change. #CripTheStrike 2/

If your campus is anything like ours, it is impressively inaccessible. The few accessible routes are behind picket lines, lifts are constantly out of order (hello @south_lift), there are huge hills, long distances, stairs. We simply cannot get to many pickets. #CripTheStrike 3/

Local @UCU branches could: book a taxi across campus to pickets or to rallies; provide seating on pickets; ensure access to (accessible) toilets; shorter picket shifts; nearby places to go and warm up, get a drink, etc. #CripTheStrike #AccessiblePicketing #UCUStrikesBack 4/

Good co-ordination and communication is vital for all, especially for neurodiverse, autistic and anxious #UCUStrikesBack strikers. This includes publicising schedules & events in advance, with timings, locations, maps. Include photos of venues & 'social stories' #CripTheStrike 5/

...And, with local #UCUStrikesBack events (e.g. teach-outs, socials), make sure they're in accessible venues with step-free or lift access and accessible toilets. Seeing inaccessible up/downstairs teach-outs & events advertised has been truly disheartening. #CripTheStrike 6/.

Include access info when listing/sharing local #UCUStrikesBack events - let people know there is level access, accessible toilets, what sizes of wheelchairs can be accommodated (hopefully all!), quiet spaces, BSL, etc. Otherwise the burden is on us to find out. #CripTheStrike 7/

Large print materials - either just print what you have but bigger, or in a bigger font. Arial is generally best (the font not the mermaid). Black and white copies, copies on coloured paper, matte paper. Share digital text docs for screen readers #UCUStrikesBack #CripTheStrike 8/

Disabled workers on #UCUStrikesBack may not have their usual DWP Access To Work support, so @UCU branches might need to step in and provide funds to enable participation - that could be via funding the usual support worker/PA, BSL interpreters, transport, etc. #CripTheStrike 9/

Earplugs! The #UCUStrikesBack picketers can be a loud bunch. Arrange access to a quiet space for picketers needing a break from social, noise, etc. (Also a prayer space for folks of faith, and a feeding/expressing space). Perhaps the SU can offer a room or two? #CripTheStrike 10/

It can be tough to go to new things, meet new people, and initiate conversations. Consider 'buddying' for those who are new or anxious - pairing the haggard and hardened #UCUStrikesBack picketers with new or nervous faces who want some moral support and a chat. #CripTheStrike 11/

Important to remember that while a vital element of action, there will be some disabled, autistic & ill members who are unable to join pickets. There are plenty of things we can do instead - 'back room' work, comms, admin, organising #UCUStrikesBack activities. #CripTheStrike 12/

As the disability justice phrase goes: #LeaveNoOneBehind. And - as with gender, ethnicity, etc - it's vital that the burden of 'equality' work is not placed solely on those marginalised by the systems & structures at the centre of the #UCUStrikesBack disputes. #CripTheStrike 13/.

It is vital to provide disabled, ill, D/deaf, neurodiverse access as a matter of course and as a constant iterative process - proactively, rather than 'reacting' to the needs of specific individuals, which also hinges on compulsory disclosure. #UCUStrikesBack #CripTheStrike 14/

Integrated access also benefits everyone, including non-disabled and neurotypical people. I mean, who wouldn't like the option of a wee seat on a picket line, or a space to go and rest for half an hour? #UCUStrikesBack #CripTheStrike 15/.

Here is some more in-depth information on access for autistic and neurodiverse @ucu strikers, by @nibbsy_a and Janine Booth: http://ucu.group.shef.ac.uk/autism-and-strike-action-guidance-for-autistic-workers-and-ucu-branches/.

#ActuallyAutistic #UCUStrikesBack #CripTheStrike 16/

Wed 4 Dec is 'Day of Action for Disability Equality in Education', so there's a good opportunity in this iteration of #UCUStrikesBack for branches to further engage with disability justice. Here are resources from @ucu Disabled Members: https://www.ucu.org.uk/disabilityequality. #CripTheStrike 17/