AA Oklahoma – Accessibilities Committee
I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.
In line with A.A.’s Responsibility Declaration, this Workbook is designed to help Accessibilities Committees explore, develop and offer resources to make the Alcoholics Anonymous message and participation in our program of recovery available to all alcoholics who reach out for it. While we all need to access, receive and carry the message of recovery and wish to have the same measure of privileges and responsibilities with regard to Twelfth Step work, sponsorship, and speaking at A.A. and non-A.A. meetings as other members, for some there are significant barriers that must be overcome to insure full participation in A.A. For some A.A. members, a six-inch step can be an insurmountable obstacle. A locked access door, a blocked ramp or parking problem can make it impossible to get to a meeting. Some members are ill, homebound or living in retirement or skilled nursing facilities; others are blind or deaf or have vision or hearing loss; some may learn, read, or process information differently; some may be wheelchair users; and still others may use canes or walkers, or have other mobility-related needs. Literature may be hard to understand. Childcare issues may make it impossible to attend regular meetings. Remote geography or cultural differences may hinder contact with other members. Accessibility challenges apply to all alcoholics who have difficulties participating in Alcoholics Anonymous, whether those are mental, physical, geographic, cultural, or other factors that vary among people. Some of these alcoholics may experience barriers to accessing the A.A. message, including the literature, meetings, Twelfth Step work, and the service structure. Whatever the access barrier may be, the goal of our members and especially those who serve on Accessibilities Committees, is to find solutions to help ensure every alcoholic can participate in A.A. meetings, Twelfth Step work, and A.A. service. So, what can be done to make A.A. readily accessible to all? The following information is meant to assist Accessibilities Committees in removing obstacles to participation and to ensure A.A. remains as inclusive as possible to all alcoholics. A wide variety of Accessibilities material is available that can help in this effort, including literature in Braille, American Sign Language (ASL), and easy-to-read pamphlets in English, as well as in other languages, in regular and large print. For a detailed list, information is provided at the end of this guide titled “A.A. Literature and Audio Visual Material for Accessibilities” with instructions for placing orders.
The Accessibilities Committee provides non-English speaking members the opportunity to participate fully in Area Third Legacy service. This committee helps overcome the language barrier experienced by non-English speaking members, by providing translators, translating equipment, and bilingual printed materials. This allows those who would otherwise be unable to serve because of language barriers, to be of service to other Area service committees where language keeps us from reaching all that wish to recover.
Have questions or comments? Email the committee Chair
