Empowering Fandom Inclusivity: An Interview with Carly Webster, Founder of DisabledSOS Fan Project

In the dynamic and passionate world of fandoms, connections are forged through shared enthusiasm and unwavering support for beloved artists. For Carly Webster, the founder of DisabledSOS Fan Project, her journey into fandom and her subsequent creation of a groundbreaking initiative were driven by a desire to bridge the gap for disabled fans within the music community. In this interview, Carly opens up about the origins of her project, the power of collaboration, and her vision for an inclusive fan experience.

Filling a Gap in Fandom Representation

Carly's journey began in 2016, a time when she was navigating the transition from middle school to high school. Seeking camaraderie and connection, she immersed herself in the fandom of 5 Seconds of Summer. While enjoying the experience, she couldn't help but notice a void – a lack of representation for disabled fans. With hashtags and movements galore championing various facets of fandom, Carly wondered why there wasn't a similar space for disabled individuals.

Her response was proactive and inspiring. Carly, along with a group of like-minded individuals, introduced a hashtag in 2016 that quickly gained traction. It wasn't just a trend; it was a symbol of inclusion and visibility for disabled fans within the fandom.

From Hashtag to Organization

The hashtag movement was just the beginning. Two years later, Carly felt the call to take things further. Her passion for the cause had evolved into a determination to create an organization dedicated to making fandom more accessible. The idea was to ensure that disabled fans, who might face barriers in attending shows or finding work, felt supported and validated in their fandom. This marked the inception of DisabledSOS Fan Project.

“My idea behind it is kind of just bridging that gap, making fans especially those who like can't go to shows or can't find work, whatever it is, making fandom more accessible to them and helping them like understand that they're supported. They're validated in the way that which in which they support their favorite artists,” Carly expressed.

Carly's commitment to the project is evident in the myriad of initiatives that DisabledSOS Fan Project has undertaken. From resource guides that provide practical information about concert experiences, to collaborative fan projects and campaigns, her brainchild has blossomed into a force for change in the fan community.

Fan Projects & Resources

One remarkable aspect of DisabledSOS Fan Project is its collaborative nature. Carly emphasizes that while she often comes up with project ideas, her team members also play a crucial role in shaping and expanding these ideas. The project's flexibility allows it to align with 5 Seconds of Summer's activities, ensuring relevance and impact. This collaborative ethos extends to the fans themselves, as they contribute their stories and experiences, fostering a sense of unity and understanding.

Making Fandom More Accessible

A standout feature of DisabledSOS Fan Project is its commitment to accessibility. Carly believes that accessibility doesn't have to be complex or expensive. Simple actions, like adding captions to videos or providing alt text for images, can make a significant difference in ensuring that content reaches a broader audience, including those with disabilities. “Accessibility doesn't have to be this, like, groundbreaking ly, like expensive or anything like that type of thing. It's, it can sometimes be very simple. And it can be very simple, like, as simple as adding captions to your videos that you post or, you know, putting old texts and stuff like that, it's things that people don't think about, because, unfortunately, they don't, you know, they, they, they imagine that their audience is a certain type of person, and, you know, certain demographic and stuff like that, but they don't, it's not always considered that, hey, there could be some, like, you know, hard of hearing people, there could be some, you know, you know, blind people I'm part of, you know, my, my children, yeah, community. So it's just, it's just kind of those little things that really help with, with visibility and accessibility. It's it really, it's not going to happen overnight. And I think, you know, a lot of people, they try to get it right the first time. And while that's great on that, you know, you're gonna make mistakes, and you're gonna have to learn,” Carly shared.“It really requires just constant effort and energy, like you really just have to be intentional about it. Not just to check those boxes, but to actually like, you want those people to be able to experience whatever you're presenting.” She acknowledges that learning and adapting are essential in this journey, and the project's evolution is a testament to that commitment.

How can I get involved with DisabledSOS?

DisabledSOS Fan Project thrives thanks to the dedication of its volunteers. Carly highlights two pathways for involvement: joining the project's team or participating in the volunteer directory. Both options offer ways to contribute based on skills and availability, with the ultimate goal of advancing the project's mission of inclusion.

Recently, Carly took a bold step by initiating a fundraising campaign. While hesitant at first, the support and generosity of the community have surpassed her expectations. These funds will be used to strengthen the project's reach and impact, ensuring that it can continue to serve the disabled fan community effectively. You can donate & share the gofundme here!

.

As the DisabledSOS Fan Project continues to grow and make strides, it offers a reminder that within every fandom, there's room for everyone. Through the project's evolution, it's clear that small steps, intentional efforts, and a willingness to learn can lead to transformative change within the fan community. Carly's journey is a testament to the fact that, with persistence and heart, even the most grassroots initiatives can ignite a movement that reverberates far beyond the confines of a concert venue.

You can support DisabledSOS on social media & find volunteer opportunities here.