#YesToAccessNZ

Share it. Tag it. Call it out.

🔥 Access is a Right, not an Invite.

🚨 #YesToAccessNZ 🚨

🔥 Access is a Right, not an Invite.

“Inclusion” makes it sound like disabled people are guests. Invited in to places and spaces shut off from us. We’re not guests. We’re here. Always have been. We demand Access.

Replace "Inclusion" with "Access. " Why?

Swapping out the word “inclusion” for “Access” is more than a language fix. It's a mindset shift.

“Inclusion” makes it sound like disabled people are being invited in, like it’s optional. But we’re not guests. We’re already here.

“Access” means you’re building spaces, systems, and culture where everyone belongs from the start. It’s about rights, not charity.

When we talk access, we’re talking about real change. In schools, in work, in the arts, online.

It’s future-focused, justice-focused, and it’s how we make Aotearoa; New Zealand and Te Ao; the World, better for all of us.

Access.

It's a Right. Not an Invite.

🧠 Words shape worlds

#YesToAccessNZ #AccessIsARight #LetsTalkAccess #AccessNotInclusion

#Access #UNCRPD #TeTiritiOWaitangi #DisabilityRights #DisabilityArts #Accessibility #Arts #Theatre #Dance #Advocacy #DiversityEquityAccess

The #YesToAccessNZ logo designed by dancer and artist Lulu Qiu. A theatre spotlight appears top left of the image and from it spreads a glowing broad beam of light. captured within the beam of light is the hashtag "Yes To Access NZ"

🔊 PRESS RELEASE: CAMPAIGN LAUNCH

Disability-Led campaign challenges language: Access is a Right, not an Invite.
Bold new arts-led campaign for Access launches "artivism" activation

Tamaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa
15 September 2025

National disability arts organisation Touch Compass today launches its boldest campaign yet: “#YesToAccessNZ” Access is a Right, not an Invite.

The campaign challenges the use of the term "Inclusion" in public policy and social discourse, arguing that it reinforces the idea of disabled people as outsiders being allowed in, rather than as equal participants with all human rights to access.

He iti te mokoroa, nāna i kati te kahikatea.
The mokoroa may be small, but it cuts through the Kahikatea.

We know this is just one small effort against ableist inclusion but we are steadfast in our commitment. We will continue to champion access.

The campaign kicks off with the first of a series of disabled artist-led video shares, and an invitation to organisations and individuals to publicly mark the shift from inclusion to access.

“This is not a campaign asking for kindness or charity,” says Touch Compass,

“It’s a movement. Access is about power. We’re claiming it. We’re artists, creators and persons who advocate every day for a more accessible Aotearoa and Te Ao. So, this ‘artivism’ is our way of raising awareness and encouraging action.”

Through live activations, artist stories, digital campaigns, and a national petition, the movement will run from 15 September until 3 December 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities #IDPD when Touch Compass is eager to see individuals and organisations across Aotearoa and Te Ao replace "inclusion" with "Access" , even if it's just that one day they say. It'll be a start to a more equitable Aotearoa New Zealand and Te Ao the World.

Links:

Campaign Hub: touchcompass.org.nz/access
Social activity via facebook.com/touchcompass

National Petition: coming October on ActionStationNZ

Contact: access@touchcompass.org.nz

🚨 #YesToAccessNZ 🚨

🔥 Access is a Right, not an Invite.

🎥 BELOW

Video: Alisha McLennan Marler on what Access really means to her as an artist
Video: Rodney Bell on why Access is where we should begin so we can dance everything

#YesToAccessNZ #AccessIsARight #AccessNotInclusion