Report on Accessibility and Perceived Barriers to Quilt Shows for Neurodiverse people.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in promoting greater diversity and inclusion in the quilting community. However, as the Neurodiverse Quilters Facebook group demonstrates, there are still many barriers that prevent some quilters from participating fully in this community. Through a brief survey of 38 confirmed Neurodiverse individuals, several of these barriers were identified, including logistical challenges, comfort level, structure, affordability, technical ability, and entry form challenges. Importantly, many neurodiverse individuals face fine motor skill challenges that can affect their technical ability but are highly creative people. To enhance accessibility and promote greater diversity and inclusion in the quilting community, this survey suggests a number of possible solutions, such as reducing entry fees, providing financial assistance, creating more diverse categories for quilts, providing mentorship programs, and simplifying the entry process. By addressing these barriers and promoting greater accessibility, we can help to ensure that the quilting community is more inclusive and welcoming to all who wish to participate.

Population:

Out of the initial 500 members of the Neurodiverse Quilters Facebook group, 38 individuals who identified as Neurodiverse and a Quilter responded to a brief survey.

Survey:

The form used to enter a quilt show is often a challenge for me. 21.1% Disagree, 50% are Neutral, 21.1% Agree, and 7.9% strongly agree 

Overall, the responses suggest that there is a significant portion of people who find the form used to enter a quilt show to be a challenge, while others do not have strong feelings either way.

I feel that quilt shows are accessible for me to attend. 10.5% Strongly disagree, 31.6% disagree, 39.5% Neutral, and 18.4% agree.

Overall, the responses suggest that a significant proportion of people do not feel that quilt shows are accessible to them, while others are neutral or feel that they are accessible. The reasons for feeling that quilt shows are not accessible could be related to factors such as distance, cost, availability of transportation, or other logistical considerations.

I feel comfortable entering quilt shows. 2.7% strongly agree, 8.1% agree, 18.9% Neutral, 35.1% disagree, and 35.1% strongly disagree

Overall, the responses suggest that a significant portion of people do not feel comfortable entering quilt shows, while others are either neutral or feel comfortable to some extent. The reasons for feeling uncomfortable could be related to factors such as anxiety, self-doubt, or lack of experience with quilt shows. Conversely, those who feel comfortable may have attended quilt shows before, feel confident in their skills, or enjoy sharing their work with others.

I feel the structure of quilt shows exclude me. 18.4% Disagree, 36.8% Neutral, 39.5% Agree, and 5.3% Strongly agree

Overall, the responses suggest that a significant portion of people feel excluded by the structure of quilt shows, while others either disagree or are neutral. The reasons for feeling excluded could be related to factors such as the types of quilts that are typically displayed, the judging criteria, or the lack of diversity in the representation of quilts or quilters. Conversely, those who do not feel excluded may feel that the structure of quilt shows is inclusive and welcoming to all quilters, regardless of their background or skill level.

I can afford to enter quilt shows? 35.1% yes 40.5% maybe, 24.3% no

Overall, the responses suggest that there is some uncertainty among respondents about their ability to afford the cost of entering quilt shows, with a relatively even split between those who feel they can afford it and those who do not. The reasons for uncertainty or inability to afford could be related to factors such as the cost of entry fees, the cost of creating and preparing a quilt for display, and the cost of travel or accommodations if the show is located far from home. Those who feel they can afford it may have the financial means to cover these costs or feel that the benefits of entering a quilt show are worth the expense.

The focus on technical ability acts as a barrier for me to enter a quilt show. 5.3 strongly disagree, 10.5% disagree, 15.8% are Neutral, 42.1% agree, 26.3% strongly agree

Overall, the responses suggest that a significant portion of people feel that technical ability is a barrier for them to enter a quilt show, while others either disagree or are neutral. The reasons for feeling that technical ability is a barrier could be related to factors such as a lack of confidence in their skills or a belief that the judging criteria are too focused on technical perfection rather than creativity or artistic expression. Conversely, those who do not feel that technical ability is a barrier may feel that there is room for a wide range of skill levels and styles in quilt shows.

Findings:

Accessibility:

The survey found that a significant proportion of respondents do not feel that quilt shows are accessible to them. Factors such as distance, cost, availability of transportation, or other logistical considerations were cited as reasons for feeling that quilt shows are not accessible. Additionally, some respondents found the noise levels, large crowds, or overwhelming stimuli to be a barrier to attending quilt shows.

Comfort Level:

The survey found that a significant portion of respondents feel uncomfortable entering quilt shows, while others are either neutral or feel comfortable to some extent. The reasons for feeling uncomfortable could be related to anxiety, self-doubt, or lack of experience with quilt shows. Conversely, those who feel comfortable may have attended quilt shows before, feel confident in their skills, or enjoy sharing their work with others.

Structure:

The survey found that a significant portion of respondents feel excluded by the structure of quilt shows, while others either disagree or are neutral. The reasons for feeling excluded could be related to the types of quilts that are typically displayed, the judging criteria, or the lack of diversity in the representation of quilts or quilters. Respondents also cited the pressure to conform to a particular aesthetic or technical standard as a barrier to entry.

Affordability:

The survey found that there is some uncertainty among respondents about their ability to afford the cost of entering quilt shows, with a relatively even split between those who feel they can afford it and those who do not. The reasons for uncertainty or inability to afford could be related to factors such as the cost of entry fees, the cost of creating and preparing a quilt for display, and the cost of travel or accommodations if the show is located far from home.

Technical Ability:

The survey found that a significant portion of respondents feel that technical ability is a barrier for them to enter a quilt show, while others either disagree or are neutral. The reasons for feeling that technical ability is a barrier could be related to a lack of confidence in their skills or a belief that the judging criteria are too focused on technical perfection rather than creativity or artistic expression. Also many Neurodiverse people have fine motor skill challanges. Respondents who did not feel that technical ability is a barrier may feel that there is room for a wide range of skill levels and styles in quilt shows.

Entry Form Challenges:

The survey found that a significant portion of respondents find the form used to enter a quilt show to be a challenge, while others do not have strong feelings either way. Respondents suggested that having a personal assistant or a “hand-holder” to help navigate the process could be helpful for those who find the entry form challenging.

Based on the findings of the survey regarding barriers to accessing quilt shows for neurodiverse quilters, here are some recommendations that can enhance accessibility and promote greater diversity and inclusion in the quilting community:

1. Reduce entry fees or provide financial assistance to make quilt shows more affordable and accessible for neurodiverse quilters who may face financial challenges.

2. Create more diverse categories for quilts to provide opportunities for different styles and techniques and to recognize the creativity and artistic abilities of neurodiverse quilters.

3. Provide mentorship programs to help neurodiverse quilters build technical skills and overcome challenges related to fine motor skills or other technical abilities.

4. Simplify the entry process and make it more user-friendly to reduce stress and anxiety for neurodiverse quilters.

5. Improve the structure and environment of quilt shows to ensure the comfort of neurodiverse quilters who may be sensitive to noise, crowds, or other stimuli.

6. Increase awareness and understanding of neurodiversity among the quilting community and beyond to promote inclusivity and reduce stigmatization.

By implementing these recommendations, the quilting community can become more accessible and welcoming to neurodiverse quilters, recognizing and celebrating their creativity and unique perspectives.

Conclusion:

Based on the survey, it was found that among the 38 confirmed neurodiverse people who responded, many of them have fine motor skill challenges that can impact their technical ability but are highly creative individuals. The results suggest that there are several obstacles that hinder individuals from participating in quilt shows, including logistical difficulties, discomfort with the show structure, affordability, technical ability, and entry form challenges. To make quilt shows more inclusive and accessible for a broader range of quilters and textile makers, these barriers must be addressed. Solutions such as reducing entry fees, creating more diverse quilt categories, providing mentorship programs, and simplifying the entry process could help to alleviate these challenges. Ultimately, the survey's findings can inform the development of strategies that can promote greater diversity and inclusion in the quilting community while enhancing accessibility.