D1. Accessibility & Inclusion

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QUICK REFERENCE

ASL INTERPRETERS: Playa Info, 9am-10pm daily (Tiger Stripe Laminates) MOBILITY CAMP: Check current location in Directory (wheelchair tours, equipment charging) SOBER RESOURCES: Multiple camps and daily meetings - check Digital Services for camps and times R.I.D.E. PROGRAMS: Promoting inclusion for BIPOC communities, contact diversity@burningman.org ACCESSIBILITY VEHICLES: Pre-registered vehicles with disability stickers allowed

MOST COMMON QUESTIONS:

Where can I get ASL interpretation? → Playa Info daily 9am-10pm, or request at Ranger HQ, or Staff with Radio

Are there wheelchair-accessible tours? → Mobility Camp offers a number of daily tours, priority for mobility impaired

Where are AA/NA meetings? → Check Digital Services directory for daily times and locations

I need to charge medical equipment → Mobility Camp has dedicated medical equipment charging, may also check directory for other charging stations, compatibility varies

Can I drive my accessibility vehicle? → Yes, if you have registered your vehicle and with valid disability ID

REMEMBER: These services welcome both those who need them and allies who want to learn

See detailed services, locations, and accessibility resources below

Also see:

A1: Emergency Services & Safety (for crisis support, mental health services)

E1: Vehicle Policies (for accessibility vehicle registration)

C3: Practical Services (for medical equipment charging, specialized repairs)

D2: Special Programs (for inclusive programming, accessible activities)

Accessibility support network:

Communication needs → D1 (ASL) + C2 (alternative communication methods)

Mobility needs → D1 (Mobility Camp) + E1 (vehicle access) + B2 (transportation)

Crisis support → D1 (community resources) + A1 (professional crisis intervention)

Inclusive participation → D1 (R.I.D.E.) + D2 (accessible programming)

ASL Services & Deaf Community

ASL Interpreters at Playa Info

Availability: 9am - 10pm daily during event Identification: Tiger Stripe Laminates to distinguish from other volunteers Services: Walk-up interpretation, scheduled services for events Extended Hours: Can be scheduled for use outside Playa Info hours

Finding Additional ASL Support

Black Rock Rangers: Some Rangers trained in ASL (availability varies) Check at: Ranger HQ to see if ASL-trained Rangers are on shift

Burning Man Staff: Staff with radio can request interpreters be paged Specialized Camps: Several camps focus on Deaf community and ASL services

ASL Community Etiquette

For Hearing Participants:

Learn basic ASL greetings before arriving

Be patient with communication methods (writing, gestures, phones)

Respect Deaf space in ASL camps

Ask before joining ASL conversations

Communication Tips:

Face the person when speaking (for lip reading)

Use clear gestures and facial expressions

Write things down when verbal communication isn't working

Be willing to use translation apps when appropriate

Mobility & Physical Accessibility

Mobility Camp Services

Location: Check Directory for current year location Core Services:

Wheelchair-friendly art tours (3-4 times daily); check Directory

Medical equipment charging station

Accessible camping facilities

Equipment loans (when available)

Art Tours & Accessibility

Tour Schedule: Multiple times daily during mornings and evenings Priority System: Mobility impaired, then walking wounded, then able-bodied Special Tours: Dusk tours available for major burns Sign-up: At Mobility Camp location

Tour Features:

Wheelchair-accessible routes

Knowledgeable guides familiar with accessibility

Rest stops and shade when needed

Transportation provided when necessary

Equipment & Support Services

Possible Equipment Loans (availability varies):

Wheelchairs

Crutches

Knee rollers (knee scooters)

Other mobility aids

Medical Equipment Charging:

Dedicated charging station for medical devices

Priority given to essential medical equipment

Available during camp operating hours

Accessibility Vehicle Information

Pre-Registration Required: Must register before event Documentation Needed: Government-issued disability ID Vehicle Requirements: No decoration requirements for accessibility vehicles Identification: Vehicles display disability sticker

Important Reminder for All Participants:

Don't assume non-decorated vehicles are unauthorized

They may be registered accessibility vehicles

Don't harass participants using accessibility vehicles

Report concerns to Rangers, don't take personal action

Sober Community Resources

Finding Sober Meetings & Events

Digital Services directory at Playa Info

Check daily for meeting times and locations

Ask at sober camps for current schedules

Message boards often list meeting times

Check your WWW or, better, yet, drop by the sober camps

Sober-Focused Camps

Anonymous Village (5:30 & F)

Established sober community camp

Multiple meeting types and support groups

Community resources and sober networking

Check Directory for current location

Run Free Camp

Sober community support and activities

Alternative programming and substance-free events

Check Directory for current location and offerings

Types of Sober Support Available

12-Step Meetings:

AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)

NA (Narcotics Anonymous)

Various specialty meetings

Daily meetings throughout the week

Sober Events & Activities:

Alcohol-free parties and gatherings

Sober dance events and music

Support group discussions

Recovery-focused workshops

Community Support:

Sober camping communities

Peer support networks

Experienced sober burner mentorship

Crisis support and intervention

Sober Survival Tips

HALT Awareness: Monitor: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired states Meeting Attendance: Regular meeting attendance for stability Sober Networks: Connect with other sober participants Exit Strategies: Plan for uncomfortable situations Man Burn Planning: Group attendance organized by sober camps

Substance-Free Event Planning

Mocktails & Non-Alcoholic Options: Many camps offer creative alternatives Sober Event Coordination: Some camps organize substance-free gatherings Alternative Activities: Focus on art, music, meditation, workshops

R.I.D.E. (Radical Inclusion, Diversity, Equity)

R.I.D.E. Mission

Purpose: Year-round effort to create more inclusive Burner culture Focus: Address racism and discrimination in the community Goal: Expand participation of BIPOC communities Philosophy: Beloved Community vision of shared wealth of earth and opportunity to participate

Multicultural People of Color Neighborhood

Location: Around 5:45 & G (Please check digital services directory for updated address) Features: Over a dozen BIPOC-led camps Purpose: Create welcoming space for people of color Community: Showcase diverse cultural expressions and experiences

R.I.D.E. Programming & Services

R.I.D.E. Stress Test: Tool for highlighting inclusion opportunities Educational Workshops: Sessions on inclusion and diversity Community Building: Events that promote cross-cultural connection Support Networks: Resources for BIPOC participants

Engaging with R.I.D.E. Efforts

For All Participants:

Learn about different cultural camps and experiences

Attend R.I.D.E. programming and workshops

Practice inclusive language and behavior

Support BIPOC-led camps and initiatives

Contact Information:

Email: diversity@burningman.org

Programming: Check What Where When guide for R.I.D.E. events

Resources: Visit R.I.D.E. camps for educational opportunities

Mental Health & Crisis Support Integration

Crisis Support Services (See Also A1: Emergency Services)

Green Dot Rangers: Emotional support and crisis intervention Haven: Safe, calm space (located at 6:30 between Esplanade and A) Crisis Intervention Team: Professional psychiatric services

Note: While The Zendo Project will not be conducting their usual services on playa in 2025, they’re teaming up with Rangers to provide an alternative space called Haven at 6:30 between Esplanade and A.

Accessibility for Mental Health

Language Access: ASL interpretation available for mental health services Physical Access: Mental health services designed to be physically accessible Cultural Competency: Services trained in cultural sensitivity and inclusion

Pro Tips for Volunteers

ASL Service Guidance

Availability Information:

"ASL interpreters are here 9am-10pm daily"

"Some Rangers know ASL but availability varies"

"Several camps focus on Deaf community and ASL services"

Cultural Sensitivity:

"ASL camps welcome both Deaf participants and those learning"

"Be patient with different communication methods"

"Respect Deaf space and culture"

Mobility Support Guidance

Service Explanation:

"Mobility Camp provides tours, equipment, and charging for medical devices"

"Tours are available multiple times daily with priority for mobility needs"

"Some accessibility vehicles don't look like art cars - that's normal"

Equipment Reality:

"Equipment loans are available but limited"

"Medical equipment charging is prioritized"

"Tours are wheelchair accessible with knowledgeable guides"

Sober Community Support

Meeting Information:

"Check Digital Services for daily meeting times and locations"

"Several camps focus on sober community and support"

"Man Burn group attendance is often organized by sober camps"

Resource Connection:

"Anonymous Village and Run Free Camp are is an established sober community"

"Daily meetings are available throughout the week"

"Sober events and mocktail offerings available at various camps"

R.I.D.E. Program Information

Inclusion Messaging:

"R.I.D.E. works year-round to make Burning Man more inclusive"

"BIPOC neighborhood around 5:45 & G showcases diverse communities"

"Programming and workshops available on inclusion topics"

Common Misconceptions to Address

"Accessibility services are just for disabled people": Many services welcome allies and those learning "I don't need to worry about accessibility": Universal design benefits everyone "These services are charity": These are community rights and inclusion efforts "Burning Man isn't accessible": Significant efforts exist, though more work needed

When to Escalate or Refer

Complex ASL needs: Direct to specialized camps or Ranger HQ Mobility equipment issues: Contact Mobility Camp directly Sober crisis situations: Connect with mental health services and sober community Discrimination concerns: Document and refer to R.I.D.E. resources and Rangers