AccessFest 2026

This past Saturday, I went to AccessFest by AccessNow and Maayan Ziv for the first time, and experienced community in a way I don't think I ever have before.

There were so many beautiful (sometimes too brief) moments of connection - happily running into Terrence Ho and meeting Sydney Elaine Butler for the first time (both of whom I feel such warmth and admiration for), meeting Tori Hunter Lacey (I wish I'd made it early enough to see your panel!), having dinner from a food truck with new connections and Taylor Lindsay-Noel (if you follow her Instagram content at @AccessByTay, which you should, you'll understand why this felt like such a moment haha), and being welcomed into Bean Gill's circle by her friends.

It was during the X Ambassadors headline performance that I noticed the feeling of belonging most of all, when I joined some of my new crew in the dance area in front of the stage - something I never do at other concerts, where there's more risk of being knocked over by someone, or not being able to sit down if I need to.

After dancing awhile and then being torn between wanting to keep going but also needing to sit, it briefly entered my mind that it would feel weird to have to take a seat, being so close to the front.

Until seconds later, when I realized that that was kind of the whole point of the festival - that everyone is welcome here, to participate however works for them.

So dancing while sitting in my chair it was! 💃🏽🙌🏽

SO thankful to Bean for inviting me along - I feel so lucky to know you as part of the South Asian women with disabilities representation I never knew I needed, and as such a warm and supportive friend! 🫶🏽

Thank you AccessFest for creating such an amazing experience - I'll definitely be back next year! 🎉💖