[Ansteorra] mobility issues

[Clarissa di Firenze]

There is a tradition that use to be used a lot in the SCA that I  
haven't seen used as much in the last few years - contacting the  
steward or cook 3-4 weeks before the event about special needs. When  
I started out in the SCA 18 years ago, it was routine to call ahead  
to find out about the event if a person had a special requirement  
(food allergy, need electricity, etc).  Once the steward knew of an  
issue, they routinely did what they could to accomodate the person.  
Stewards are not all-knowing. They cannot know all the challenges or  
special needs people have. They are unlikely to know, for instance,  
that wheel chairs need extra space at table unless they have used or  
known someone who used a wheel chair.

If you know you are going to an event and you have special  
requirements, call the steward and talk to them. Let them know you  
would appreciate a handicap port-a-potty close to the action. Let  
them know wheel chairs need extra room for seating.  Ask if there are  
stairs and if there is an alternate way around them, ask how spread  
out the event is and how rough the terrain is. Ask those questions  
that are appropriate to your issues.  While at the event, if you need  
extra help, ask. You may want to be independent but all of us need  
help at times. People may not see you need help. No one is a mind  
reader. Yet, most folks in the SCA are very friendly and will be  
happy to help if asked.

I am sure most stewards will appreciate the heads up and will try to  
accommodate requests   whenever possible.

Clarissa di Firenze