Accessibility 4 Every Body

Leia, the one-eyed Chihuahua, encourages everyone to observe and identify size-inclusive seating options in businesses and public spaces. This may include features such as wide, sturdy benches, spacious booths with movable tables, and chairs without armrests. These elements deserve recognition and appreciation.

We invite you to tag us in any photos you capture or send them directly to us!

Accessibility 4 Every Body is committed to celebrating businesses that make inclusive choices and informing individuals who live in larger bodies of places where they are welcomed.







Image description: Leia, a blond one-eyed chihuahua, is laying down in front of a fire next to a Halloween bowl with a plastic owl skeleton on it. A caption underneath reads: "Leia always keeps one eye open for size inclusive seating!" The photo is stamped with the brand Accessibility 4 Every Body.

Nearly every time I enter a business, I notice padded chairs with armrests. During my visit to Aceso Medical Clinic today, I encountered this all too familiar barrier.

While they may appear comfortable at first glance, it's important to consider individuals who live in larger bodies. The standard chair width of 19 inches between armrests does not accommodate those with wider hips and legs, highlighting the barriers that such seating arrangements can create for individuals of size.

Given that this is a medical clinic where healthcare professionals attend to patients of diverse body sizes, it is essential to provide bariatric chairs with armrests and additional seating options without armrests, in addition to the existing furniture. Ensuring accessibility is critical in medical clinics, as individuals are there to seek care.

While I have learned to advocate for my own needs, many individuals may not feel comfortable doing so. This can result in them attempting to fit into spaces that are inadequate for their size, which causes physical harm.

While this may have been unintentional, it is important to address this issue promptly. I have spoken with the front desk reception and recommended that they provide a chair without armrests in their waiting room for patients who require this accommodation.






Image Description: In the first photo there is a black and white cat lying on his back with a vacant stare with the caption, "When the medical clinic only had chairs with armrests and you can't sit down." There is also the business name, Accessibility 4 Every Body tagged on the photo. A waiting room in a medical office with three black chairs with armrests. The second photo is of a single black chair with armrests in the doctor's consultation room.

This meme is inspired by post concerning a vehicle without a valid placard occupying an accessible parking stall.

Regrettably, this situation occurs frequently. When individuals park in accessible stalls without a legitimate need, they hinder access for those with disabilities, preventing them from utilizing services offered by nearby businesses.

Accessibility and inclusion encompass more than just mobility aids and representations of diverse body types in advertising. If individuals who identify as plus size face difficulties in finding suitable clothing, it renders the basic act of dressing oneself inaccessible.

Accessibility 4 Every Body was recently featured in the October edition of the Disability without Poverty Newsletter. We sincerely appreciate this organization's highlighting of our business and the important work we do to ensure that people of all body sizes are included in accessibility.

We introduce you to Figaro, whose face cannot hide his displeasure when faced with inaccessible seating options.

I attempted to participate in an accessibility rally in Edmonton at the legislature last weekend. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to accessibility challenges. I found it impossible to locate parking within a reasonable distance.

Only one accessible parking space was available near the building in the 107 avenue parking lot, while the majority of parking options were situated further away at the bottom of the hill.

In that very parking lot, there were two stalls meant for electric vehicles to charge—but they were nothing but broken machines, silent witnesses to my frustration. It stings to think that these precious spots could have served those who truly need them.

It feels so disheartening to realize that our society prioritizes charging stations for electric cars over the vital need for accessible parking.

Why does the value of convenience for the few overshadow the basic dignity and access that so many deserve?



Image Description: The first photo shows a van parked in the accessible parking stall in a parking lot, with a red circle drawn around the top of the legislature building, which is hidden behind trees in the distance. The second photo shows a steep hill with the legislature building at the top, with barriers for government employees only. The third photo shows an out of order sign on an electric charging station in between two electric vehicle parking stalls in a parking lot. The fourth photo shows a wide shot of the van parked in the only accessible stall in the parking lot nearest the legislature building. The fifth photo shows a steep hill next to the legislature building with street parking on the right side of the road, in the distance. The fifth and sixth photos show accessible stalls at the bottom of the hill, far from the legislature building.

"We acknowledge that we are on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot, Cree, Dene and Stoney people and express gratitude and respect for the land we use, pledge to end systemic racism, commit to advancing reconciliation and partnering with Indigenous peoples in our work with school councils."

We acknowledge that we are on traditional territories in Alberta of the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries.

Land acknowledgments are our way of showing respect for the caretakers of this beautiful land that we live on.

We are now on Instagram as

Accessibility 4 Every Body (@accessibility4everybody) • Instagram photos and videos 2 Followers, 18 Following, 0 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Accessibility 4 Every Body ()

In September, I had the opportunity to present my research to the Strathcona County Accessibility Advisory Committee, focusing on the importance of including body diversity in discussions about accessibility.

I received considerable positive feedback on the impact of my presentation, particularly regarding how my perspective and personal experiences influenced the council members' understanding of accessibility for individuals in larger bodies and the challenges they face.

I am committed to advocating for individuals who have not traditionally been considered in accessibility initiatives and to providing them with a voice. It is essential to recognize the need for accommodations for those living in larger bodies.

Have you taken body size into account when considering accessibility?

Has your Accessibility Advisory Committee addressed this important topic?

If not, how might this oversight affect your business?

If you are interested in collaborating, please schedule a consultation by contacting me at [email protected].

Image Description: "a graphic with multiple types of larger bodied people of different ages, ethnicities and sizes beside the title "Body Diversity in Accessibility: A Call for Comprehensive Solutions" and the name of the business Accessibility 4 Every Body runs vertically on the left side with black font on a white background with teal colored graphic accents in the left top hand corner and the bottom right hand corner."

Image Description: "Strathcona County Accessibility for Larger Bodies Questionnaire. Strathcona County Residents/ Visitors, Accessibility 4 Every Body Consulting needs your help! Fill out this questionnaire if: You live in/ visit Strathcona County/ Sherwood Park, and you live in a body that is a size 14 (XL) or larger. The link is below, thank you! on a teal ombre background with white lettering.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnDDQPBwJj9ikZPks6vggt2FsfETl_NGM3QO1hoHDFjWTlwQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Strathcona County Residents

Accessibility 4 Every Body is an accessibility consulting business that has been asked to present the barriers that larger bodied people (size 14/XL and up) encounter in public spaces within Strathcona County.

We would greatly appreciate your input and feedback to effectively address the accessibility needs of our community.

The questionnaire can be filled out by people who have visited or live within Strathcona County.

Thank you for your time and valuable feedback. We look forward to continuing to represent your needs effectively.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnDDQPBwJj9ikZPks6vggt2FsfETl_NGM3QO1hoHDFjWTlwQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Supporting People with Disabilities.

Learn more in my free community or by working with me, you can contact me at [email protected]

ID: A teal background with white text that reads: "Supporting people with disabilities. Listen. Let us feel heard. Ask. Ask us what we need, don't assume. Accommodate. To be involved we need accommodations. Understand. We may need to do things differently than you in order to participate. Encouragement. Sometimes we doubt our abilities. Offer encouragement. Accessibility. What can you do to make your events or spaces more accessible so that we can participate? Respect. Respect our privacy and don't ask us what happened or stare. Anticipate. Anticipate barriers that may prevent us from participating, so that we don't have to. Support. Support our advocacy efforts by interacting with our posts. Speak up. Speak up when you see injustice and inaccessible places. If you are disabled, what else would you add?
How do we support you? Accessibility 4 Every Body - Diana Dimmock"

Image Description: a certificate with a green border around a blue background with white font that reads: "Certificate of Completion RHFAC Fundamentals Training Congratulations to Diana Dimmock for Demonstrating Knowledge and Understanding of RHFAC meaningful accessibility for people with disabilities. Doramy Ehling Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hansen Foundation. Date of Completion March 12, 2024. Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification. University of Alberta."

We had a very successful event at the Queen of Hearts Women's Show - she CAN last weekend. We were able to educate the public and receive more feedback on the accessibility challenges and barriers that are in Edmonton and Sherwood Park.

It was so wonderful to connect with our community and to help ensure that people with disabilities, limited mobility and that live in plus size bodies are heard.

Thank you to everyone who filled out the questionnaire. An email will be going out within the next week to the winner of the mini retro speaker.

Image Description: a table with a turquoise tablecloth is covered in laminated signage, on the left there is a sign that reads "Enter to win" with a photo of a mini retro Bluetooth speaker, a wire basket with a blue cloth insert, scattered along the table are purple and white flowers, business cards, pens, in the center is a sign that reads Accessibility 4 Every Body please contact Diana Dimmock, and on the right side is a sign that reads "can you spot the difference?" With an image that shows on the left side of the page a chair with arms, it reads "only 50% of people can sit here" and on the right side of the page multiple seating options that reads "99% of people can sit here".

You can find me at the Shecan Women's Show this Saturday, March 9th from 3-9pm in the Agora at the Strathcona Community Centre in Sherwood Park. #401 Festival Lane.

Let's talk about how I can help your business become more accessible!

Queen of Hearts Women's Show - she CAN

Image Description: A pink background with a drawn image of a woman's eyes and eyebrows with large uppercase black font "Shecan". Above it reads "Queen of hearts presents Sherwood Parks women's show." Below the image reads "March 9, 3-9pm Showcasing local women entrepreneurs."

Have you considered what barriers are preventing customers from utilizing your services or accessing your building?

Accessibility 4 Every Body specializes in delivering educational awareness training and consulting services to assist businesses in enhancing accessibility and eliminating barriers in both virtual and physical environments.

Let's discuss how I can take your business to the next level with my holistic approach.

Image Description: Accessibility 4 Every Body white background with a teal circle behind, with black font at the top. Text reads: "Accessibility 4 Every Body. Consulting Services, Educational Awareness Training." A teal line above a purple line. Below it text reads: "Please Contact Diana Dimmock. [email protected]" On the left is the Facebook symbol and the text reads: "Accessibility 4 Every Body".