Posted on poststatus.com on September 15, 2022.
In this episode, Michelle Frechette shares her experience at WCUS 2022, highlighting the challenges she faced due to disability and accessibility issues. Despite having a good time and connecting with many helpful individuals, Michelle had to overcome obstacles just to attend. In true Michelle form, she turned it into a blog post filled with great suggestions for event organizers in the WordPress space.
About the Author: Dubbed "The busiest woman in WordPress" by Matt Mullenweg at WCUS 2022, Michelle Frechette is the Director of Community Engagement for StellarWP at Liquid Web. Beyond her primary role, Michelle wears many hats: She serves up insights as the Podcast Barista at WPCoffeeTalk.com, champions diversity as the co-founder of underrepresentedintech.com, created both wpcareerpages.com and wpspeakers.com. Her leadership extends as the president of BigOrangeHeart.org's board, and she's a pivotal figure at PostStatus.com as the Director of Community Relations and contributor. Additional podcasting contributions include co-hosting Underrepresented in Tech, WPMotivate and This Week in WordPress. An author, business coach, and sought-after speaker at WordPress events, she resides near Rochester, NY, capturing its beauty through her nature photography. Dive deeper into her world at meetmichelle.online .
The original post can be found here: https://poststatus.com/5-days-without-a-shower/
Transcript of Cami's Commentary: I've finally started reading other people's blog posts on my podcast. It feels only right to kick this off with a post from my friend, Michelle Frechette. As I prepare to attend WordCamp US tomorrow, the anticipation is undeniable. And thanks to Michelle, I have a new perspective on what to look for when I arrive.
Last year at WordCamp US in San Diego I was initially captivated by the retro charm of the resort I stayed in. It felt like a nostalgic journey back in time. However, I hadn't considered the practical challenges it presented. After a lobby encounter with Michelle, I realized how difficult it had been for her to navigate the place and have her basic needs met, like getting in and out of a public bathroom. That night, I observed my room with a fresh perspective. Even without any disabilities, certain areas, like the bathroom, were unbelievably challenging to access. It reminded me of the time I broke my ankle in 2019 and struggled with movement using a knee scooter. Suddenly, the allure of the hotel dimmed.
This reflection serves as a reminder. As we head to WordCamp this year, let's remain vigilant and empathetic towards our fellow attendees. Let's strive to view situations from their perspectives and offer assistance when needed. Michelle Frechette embodies the spirit of community within WordPress. Her advocacy for those who need a voice is commendable. I'm committed to supporting anyone in need at WordCamp, and I encourage everyone to do the same.
I'm looking forward to seeing you all this week and can't wait to enjoy WordCamp together!
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