The Plans I Say No To- Hidden Accessibility

I was invited to a Renaissance Faire that, after researching the venue, did not seem accessible for me. While I struggled with some FOMO originally, I was able to save money for something that I actually want, and listen to my body. This week, I want to share what I consider to be deal breakers in accessibility when considering what events I attend.

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1: No Outside Food

Now that I have Crohn's/Colitis, I have to be more mindful of my diet. It is currently working, as my inflammation markers as of the middle of March are within normal range, which is exciting. However, I am hungry all the time right now and need to eat regularly while I focus on gaining and maintaining my weight. Not being able to bring in outside food means I might not be able to eat for the length of the event, which isn't something I want to do at half-day or full-day events.

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2: Long Lines

I am weaker than I was at the end of 2025, and I lost the ability to stand in lines comfortably. I already struggled with standing in lines for long periods before my hospitalization, but now it is even worse. Standing is hard for me because my legs start to feel weak and unstable if I am in one spot, unable to move for an extended period of time. Being stuck in a line is hard for me, and could affect my energy levels for the rest of the event or activity.

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3: Bathrooms

Between Crohn's/Colitis impacting my colon and small intestine and hereditary spastic paraplegia impacting my bladder, I care about having an accessible bathroom. Port-a-potties are often gross and inaccessible. If the event only has port-a-potties, I am unlikely to go because I don't want to have to limit how much food I eat or water I drink. While I don't often need wheelchair accessible bathrooms, I do need a bathroom where I can use a toilet liner and sit down on the toilet without being extremely grossed out. Sadly, that standard limits a shocking number of events.

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4: No Seats

I need to be able to sit down regularly after walking or standing. I can't go to events like standing for a concert, or walking around Disneyland for a day without any breaks. I need to be able to balance sitting and standing. Events with no seats are not accessible for me, and I cannot attend if I can't reliably sit down through a reserved seat unless the event is short enough, like a quick mall trip or Target run.

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5: No Support

I have been in situations where, despite being invited with knowledge of my disabilities, there was anger at me for needing accommodations at an inaccessible event. If I am asked to attend an event, especially if I know it will be inaccessible but my presence is requested or required, I need accommodations and support. If I don't have an exit plan, support for managing pain, and overall support, I can't attend. I am trying to improve my mental health, and that includes valuing myself enough to say no to events that could be harmful to me. One trip required so much walking that I got sick immediately after it ended because I drastically overused my energy. Now that I learned from that experience, I want to hold firmer boundaries about what I can manage and what accessibility means for me when traveling with others.

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6: Inaccessible Parking

I have an ADA parking placard, and I need it to help me avoid walking long distances. If there is truly inaccessible parking with no nearby lots, shuttles, or other modes of transportation to help limit the amount of walking I am doing before and after the event, I am likely to say no. I want to make sure I have enough energy to be an active participant, and walking long distances takes a lot of energy for me.

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7: Loud Repetitive Noises

Any sort of repetitive, loud, fire alarm -adjacent noises hurt my brain. I can't stand it. I feel crabby instantly, and not in a cutesy way, but where I want to rip my hair out, scream, and curse the firstborn child of the person making that noise. Unless that person includes either of my parents, in which case that curse becomes awkward. I am not the person to invite to a rave or an all-day smoothie-making experience.

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8: No Elevators

I stayed with someone who lived in a 3-story walk-up for a trip, and I couldn't climb the stairs and carry my suitcase at the same time. To be fair to me, I packed a full suitcase, but I needed help. I can usually walk up stairs in someone's home, but I need an elevator for multiple flights of stairs. While a lack of an elevator might not be a 100% deal-breaker, it is something I consider when booking certain things like parking tickets and hotel rooms.

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9: Strong Smells

This one is definitely related to being autistic. Have you ever walked into a store and immediately gotten a headache because someone decided the store should smell like a perfume shop exploded? I have a strong sense of smell and sensitivity to strong scents, which leads me to immediately turn around and leave. If I can't handle a sensory experience, which also includes itchy clothes, I can't stay in it. If you are trying to invite me to a perfume-smelling sample or a store with strong fragrances, I will have to decline.

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10: Too Intense

I feel very strongly, and anxiety is everywhere in my body. If I am watching a movie, show, or other form of entertainment, and something happens that is uncomfortable or too dramatic, I can't handle it. This is also tied to autism for me, but I can't handle the discomfort well at all. I have had to quit watching shows because I can't handle the awkwardness. If there is a pitch for a movie night, I have skipped out in the past due to the movie choice.

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Thank you for reading about things that make an event inaccessible.  If you have any questions or comments, please comment on the blog, reach out at @Anniekrollblog on Instagram or Facebook, or email me at Anniekrollblog@gmail.com. I hope to see you next week!