“An access doula is a role that has emerged in disability culture, where a community member takes on a supportive role to facilitate access—this can take quite a range of forms.” — Theodora Danylevich (https://www.notion.so/Theodora-Danylevich-14988d95c73780489285cdc8496caeb0?pvs=21) & Alyson Patsavas (https://www.notion.so/Alyson-Patsavas-14988d95c73780c4a664cbb4a30734ab?pvs=21)

Practical Implementation in Arts and Culture In arts and cultural organisations, working with access doulas ensures that accessibility is both responsive and integral to events and exhibitions. Access doulas provide real-time support—such as sensory descriptions and navigational assistance—tailored to attendees' dynamic needs. Collaborating with curators, artists, and organisers from the planning stages, they help embed accessibility into the design of exhibitions and programmes holistically. Their presence during events allows for immediate adjustments, fostering environments where participants feel supported. By adopting a relational approach, access doulas transform accessibility into a creative and participatory aspect of cultural experiences. Philosophical Framework and Role in New Media Access doulas shape engagement with technology, new media, and knowledge systems by emphasising accessibility as a dynamic and relational practice. Their work reflects the lived realities of disabled and marginalised communities, addressing barriers creatively, ethically, and responsively. In contexts such as virtual reality, live-streamed events, and digital archives, access doulas ensure access needs are met through fluid, evolving processes. Accommodations are embedded into the experience, including real-time adjustments like sensory descriptions or custom navigation tools, enabling participants to engage on their own terms. Relational Access in Digital Spaces Access doulas prioritise relational access, recognising that accessibility is deeply personal and contextual. This involves engaging directly with participants to co-create accommodations that adapt to specific needs. Collaborative sensory mapping, consent-driven interactions, and mutual care redefine accessibility as a shared practice rather than a rigid compliance framework. By embedding care into digital and cultural design, access doulas ensure accessibility is integral to the creative and technological process. Transforming Knowledge and Technology Practices Access doulas contribute to the stewardship of data, knowledge, and digital tools by centring disabled communities' needs and leadership. They challenge extractive models of technology, advocating for frameworks that honour consent, agency, and reciprocity. By designing accessible interfaces and participatory systems, access doulas expand how knowledge is created and preserved, allowing disabled individuals to engage with information through tactile, auditory, or interactive formats. Their work ensures that technology and cultural systems reflect diverse lived experiences and foster equitable participation.