Purpose

The purpose of the Accessibilities Committee is to determine resources and recommend activities that will help carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous to those with accessibility needs, both inside and outside the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Accessibility Needs, but not limited to:

  • Alcoholics who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Alcoholics who live in rural areas/isolated, home or hospital bound.
  • Alcoholics who do not have transportation or are unable to drive themselves due to health conditions or DUI.
  • Alcoholics who are in nursing homes/foster care homes.
  • Alcoholics who use a wheelchair, walker, or cane.
  • Alcoholics who are blind or have low vision.
  • Alcoholics who speak a foreign language or English as a second language.
  • Alcoholics who have limited English reading or writing skills.
  • Alcoholics who are single parents that are unable to find suitable childcare attend meetings.
  • Alcoholics who are developmentally disabled.

How can you help?

  • Take the Survey!!!

https://www.marylandaa.org/groups-accessibilities-survey

Please help Area 29 Accessibilities Committee evaluate the needs of our groups by completing the four (4) questions below. The more information you share, the more we will know where group needs are and where Area 29 Accessibilities Committee efforts should be focused.

  • Walk through your group site with the Accessibilities Checklist (SMF-208). Ensure that your group is listed accurately in your local Intergroups meeting guide and in the Meeting Guide | Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org).
    • We are looking to compile a list of the following members to help carry the message to those with accessibility concerns below.
    • Individuals willing to help those who are unfamiliar with technology and needing help with virtual or telephone meetings.
    • Members who are bilingual and willing to be available as needed.
    • Individuals willing to connect long term by phone or mail with persons in recovery who are homebound.
    • Members to help carry the message of recovery/meetings to assisted living facilities, nursing homes, military institutions, and the homebound.
  • Let us know if someone needs assistance or your meeting needs accessibility.
  • Consider asking your District to have an Accessibilities point person (or chairperson).

If you have any questions, contact the Area 29 Accessibilities Chair– accessibility@marylandaa.org.

Contact the Area 29 Accessibilities Committee to find out how you can assist in making your group more accessible or what Service Opportunities are  Available!

AA Accessibility Online Resources Kit:

Military Members Resources:

A.A. and the Armed Services (P-50)

Military Members in A.A. | Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org)

Accessible AA Literature available to read (available in large print), listen (Audio), and watch (ASL).

The Big Book | Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org)

Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions Book | Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org)

AA Grapevine YouTube Chanel: Playlists available from deaf members in ASL and playlists available in English and Spanish.

AA Grapevine – YouTube

AA Meeting Finder App: Tool to find AA meetings.  Members can use the meeting filter to find a meeting that meets all accessibility needs.

Meeting Guide | Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org)

Maryland Deaf Access Committee:

Created to organize the foundation of funding and scheduling in-person AA meetings interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) in Area 29.  For the ASL AA Community of Deaf, Hard of Hearing and late-deafened AA members who have the desire to stop drinking.

http://mdacAA.org

http://AccessAA.org (google.com)

Accessibility Related Service Materials

Service Opportunities Available!

Please contact the Area 29 Accessibilities Chair at accessibility@marylandaa.org for more information on how you could help make a difference.