After last Sunday's Super Bowl (Congrats, Eagles fans; sorry, Chiefs fans/Taylor Swift), I was thinking about how to make hosting events accessible for multiple guests. I did not end up having a Super Bowl party, but I would like to next year because I just started paying attention to the games. This week, I want to give five suggestions for hosting an accessible Super Bowl party or any party.
Be mindful of stairs or steps
My house has a single step at every entrance, so someone with a wheelchair would not be able to enter without being able to step out of the wheelchair if inviting someone who uses mobility aids such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, forearm crutches, etc. For this suggestion, if your house has stairs or steps, make sure to collaborate with your guest(s), as they will know what they need.
Have different food options available for certain diets
Whether someone is vegan, vegetarian, not eating sugar, has IBD, has celiac, or allergies, some guests could have food restrictions. As a host, it is helpful to have several food options so everyone can find something they can eat. I always try to have fruit or veggies for a large party so there are healthy options that everyone can eat. I then pair this with a dip for those who want it. As with the last suggestion, talking with guests to find out about food restrictions can help give you, as the host, an idea of what accessibility needs are being asked for. For my parties, if one of my friends is coming, I know I need vegetarian food options with no eggs or soy in them, so on top of the veggies, I have learned what pizza places and what chips I can safely purchase.
Volume Adjustment
Some guests might struggle with loud volume or with fans screaming due to the excitement. I usually keep noise-canceling headphones on me for things like concerts (or my dad blaring the TV if I am not expecting it) when I am a guest. As a host, I can try to extend the party into multiple rooms, such as the living room and dining room, or attempt to play the game in my room if I am opening my room up for the party. With the excitement of the Super Bowl, it could be nice to offer guests who struggle with overstimulation somewhere quiet to go if they need it.
Be inclusive when you can
When I was in high school, I was rarely invited to parties unless I planned them or they were related to my family. If you have a new friend who doesn't seem to get invited to many places or know someone who might be lonely, it could be nice to invite them. You could end up getting closer to the person, or you just opened your party to someone who hopefully enjoyed it. This suggestion does not aim to pity people but instead serves as a way to expand your community while also offering community to someone else who might benefit.
Be understanding of last-minute cancelations
This one is hard for me as a host, but sometimes, last-minute cancellations are due to things like chronic fatigue or illness. I try to give the benefit of the doubt when I can because I hope people believe me when I do not feel well. One way I, as a guest, try to communicate that I still want to see the host is to point out that I would like to see them soon, and suggest a couple of nonparty activities that we can come back to once the party is over.
Have Fun
It is important as a host to be mindful of disabilities and accommodations when planning a party for guests with disabilities, but disabled people have so much to offer outside of their disability. Remember to have fun, and do the most important thing: cheer on your team!
Thank you for reading about planning an accessible party for events like the Super Bowl. 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!
This post was especially interesting to me. When we invite someone into our home we like to let them know how important they are to us by making sure their needs are met. I always try to know in advance of any allergies or drink preferences to take the guess out of what to serve!