As an access doula, I had the opportunity to work closely with the Criptech + Gray Area Metaverse collaboration and provide my expertise in access design. One of the accessibility measures that we implemented was the use of clear masks from BendShape Barrier™, which were recommended by Lindsey Dolich Felt, the Leonardo Disability, Access and Impact Lead.
BendShape Barrier™ is designed with a clear window that aids in ASL, spoken language, and lip-reading understanding, as well as showcasing human identity and emotion. The mask is washable, and it supports up to 10 washes, but for optimal performance, it’s recommended for single use.
The clear masks were particularly effective in aiding communication for individuals who rely on lip-reading, ASL, or spoken language understanding. This was especially important for our participants with hearing impairments. I worked closely with the team to ensure that the masks were incorporated into the event and made available to everyone who needed them. Vanessa Chang, director of programs was able to easily obtain masks for the entire cohort in different sizes.
@claudiaalicklove When folks try to socially shame you for wearing the mask, respond in kind. You are protecting yourself and others. You are admirable, and they want to bring you down mmaskupccovidcautionc#covidcautious
♬ original sound – Claudia Alick
As an access doula, my focus is always on creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued. The clear masks from BendShape Barrier™ played a critical role in achieving this goal. They allowed for clearer communication and helped to create a more accessible space for all participants.
It’s essential to note that this style of mask was recommended by Lindsey Dolich Felt, who is a deaf professor at Stanford. Her personal experience and expertise in the field of accessibility made her recommendation all the more valuable. The clear masks were not only effective, but they were also recommended by a member of the disability community, which is essential in ensuring that our accessibility measures are truly inclusive.
At Calling Up Justice, we believe that accessibility is a human right, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that everyone has equal access to events and spaces. Working as an access doula and leading in access design for the Criptech + Gray Area Metaverse collaboration was a fantastic opportunity to put our values into action. The use of clear masks from BendShape Barrier™ is just one of the many ways that we can create a more accessible and inclusive world for all.
The CripTech Lab was conceived by Vanessa Chang and Lindsey D. Felt. Convenings and facilitated by Frank Mondelli and Jennifer Justice, access doula Claudia Alick, as well as our teams at Leonardo/ISAST and Gray Area.