Accessibility in Omari

No citizen of these great islands should feel excluded. Everyone deserves the right to easy mobility, communication, and autonomy. Every need, no matter how specific, shall be met in a timely manner with respect and compassion. It is our duty as a community to include everyone and to look out for one another.
— Excerpt from a document detailing Omari's disability laws. 
  Omari is a land of acceptance and community. Technologies and services for disabled individuals or people with chronic conditions are constantly changing and evolving. Relations between communities started off well enough. However, in the era of strife, some were left struggling as tensions and fights grew across the lands. This was quickly amended at the start of the prismatic era.  

What's Currently Available

 

Deaf / HOH

Sign language is used on all the islands and even in other realms like the Feywild. The basics are usually taught to young children alongside their respective native language. More advanced courses are free to those who wish to further their vocabulary. Omari has numerous interpreters available on each island. A few different types of hearing aids are available to those who need and want to use them. It is up to the individual on whether they wish to wear one. All video media are required to have subtitles that are not only clear, but accurate.

Vision Impairments

Glasses have been around since before the old islands sank into the sea. Their durability and effectiveness have increased over the years. There are even new types of lenses to deal with other things like color blindness. There are programs to help people learn how to travel safely and independently. White canes and guide animals are typically used in navigation. Braille is easily accessible to those who want to learn it. It is easy to get books printed in braille or request ones be made for the individual. There are services to help teach people how to go about their daily lives. This is especially useful for those who have recently lost heir vision and are having a hard time adjusting. Just like with subtitles, media is required to have clear and accurate audio descriptions available.
 

Mobility

Disability groups have worked hard to make all the islands as easy to navigate as possible. Many buildings have ramp access and elevators when necessary. Every year there are efforts to help ensure new buildings meet these standards along with updating ones that are not up to par. Each town has a free directory listing which buildings and various attractions are accessible. There are several wheelchair types available depending on the individual's needs and preferences. Standard, motorized, adventure grade, and even levitating chairs have been developed over the years. All transportation is required to accommodate everyone.

Mute / Nonverbal

Sign is often used by these individuals as well. There are other just as valid forms of communication. It varies from person to person. Some use a personalized "board" of pictograms or words. These are usually either in a physical booklet or on a tablet device the person carries with them. They can either point out what is needed for the former or input single words or sentences to be read aloud from the latter. Some people are more comfortable using telepathic communication if they have those abilities. Not everyone uses more "conventional" forms of communication and there is nothing wrong with that. Usually those closest to them can easily interpret their mix of body language, interactions, and non verbal vocalizations. Many communities are just as accepting and gladly welcome them along with all the other diverse members.

Well Known Advocates

  • Ori Shimmerscale 
  • Andi Rynes 
  • Cyran Heilar 
  • Lucia Zetter 
  • Thazur Stone Heart 

Specialized Tech


Cover image: by Krzysiek

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