Who is Happily Ever Accessible?

Hi! We are Jess & Gretchen! We’re two romance book girlies in wheelchairs who love reading romance and attending all the bookish events! We started Happily Ever Accessible, an online platform and community for all romance readers, after experiencing inaccessibility and exclusion at separate book conventions.

“I [Gretchen] was so excited to meet authors and fellow readers, but my experience was overshadowed when the event didn’t follow through on the ADA accommodations I had requested months in advance. I ended up feeling left out, like a burden, and at times, in the way. Nobody should ever feel that way.”

“I [Jessica] planned for almost a year to attend my first book con. I was so excited to finally be able to meet some of my favorite authors! But the weekend didn’t go according to plan. The wheelchair lifts didn’t work, I was exhausted, embarrassed, and by the end of it, sick to my stomach…. Truly defeated.”

We shared our experiences on our personal social media and quickly realized we weren’t the only ones that endured similar challenges. After a lot of venting, tears, and thoughtful conversation we decided to turn that frustration into a passion project—and now, a growing community to share our experiences, create solutions, and chat about our favorite stories and authors!

No one should ever feel the way we did because accessibility wasn’t prioritized. This is why hiring an accessibility coordinator is essential. Because when access and inclusion is planned from the start, everyone gets to participate.

HEA is really about two things: making bookish events more accessible and inclusive, and celebrating disabled stories and authors. It’s about encouraging everyone to read more diversely, to connect, and to build empathy through our lived experiences.

We believe everyone deserves their own happily ever after.

What is the importance of accessibility for EVERYONE in the romance book community?

Accessibility is universal. It’s not just about who needs it — it’s about how everyone benefits from it. It’s what turns inclusion from an idea into action. The romance community thrives on connection and happily ever afters. When spaces are accessible, it means everyone can fully take part in that shared joy.

Have you ever heard of the curb-cut effect?

Curb ramps were originally designed for wheelchair users, but now they help parents with strollers, travelers with suitcases, delivery workers, and so many others. This same concept applies to the romance book community.

Accessible spaces, events, and content don’t just include disabled readers. They make it easier for everyone to participate.

Think: Wide aisles that make room for both wheelchairs and rolling book carts. Quiet rooms where anyone can take a break when overstimulated. Seating areas that ensure everyone has a place to rest.

What is the difference between a visible and non-visible disability?

Visible disabilities are those the world can see, like mobility aids or physical differences. Non-visible disabilities are often hidden — things like chronic illness, fatigue, sensory sensitivities, or mental health conditions. Both shape how someone moves through the world, but people with non-visible disabilities often face extra challenges because others might not recognize their needs or believe their experiences.

“Both Gretchen and I use wheelchairs, which sometimes makes it easier to show organizers why accessibility matters. But we also deal with other health things that aren’t always obvious.”

What are some non-visible disabilities that are common but never taken into consideration in the bookish community? 

Non-visible disabilities are often overlooked in the bookish community even though they’re incredibly common. These can include chronic pain, sensory sensitivities to light, sound, or crowds, anxiety and panic disorders, ADHD, chronic fatigue, autoimmune illnesses, and hearing or vision impairments. These disabilities might not be immediately seen, but they influence how long someone can stand in line to whether they can focus in a crowded bookstore or loud convention space. 

“I [Gretchen] was recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disease [Ulcerative Colitis] that I’m still learning to cope with. It can be incredibly challenging to be vulnerable and ask for accommodations especially if my symptoms are unpredictable.”

What are some visible disabilities that are common but never taken into consideration in the bookish community?

It’s hard to ignore physical disabilities i.e mobility aid users, yet accommodations are still too often treated as an afterthought.

As mentioned above,  we are both full time wheelchair users and have personally faced challenges throughout the bookish community. Those experiences are what inspired the creation of Happily Ever Accessible.

These needs are often forgotten when events are held in inaccessible venues, aisles are too narrow for wheelchairs or book carts, and seating is limited or non-existent. Even something as simple as placing tables too close together or lacking accessible parking can make it difficult or impossible for disabled readers and authors to participate.

Access and Inclusion should always be intentional, proactive, and built in from the start.

When hosting author events or book conventions, what’s the best way for the hosts to be inclusive to all accessibility needs? How do they keep a safe and respectful environment for those with accessibility needs?

You have to remember, it’s not about getting everything perfect — it’s about making the effort and showing that the intention behind accessibility is genuine.

For us, hosting author events or book conventions, inclusion can look like:

Offering pre event surveys, an ADA Services Contact, and ADA + Companion ticketing option. This creates space for people to share their needs without judgment or extra effort.

Choosing accessible venues with ramps, elevators, wide aisles, accessible restrooms, and seating options.

Offering multiple ways to engage — in-person, virtual, seated, or standing, so everyone can participate comfortably.

Providing clear information ahead of time about accessibility features (parking, entrances, quiet rooms, ASL interpreters, rest areas, etc.) so attendees can plan with confidence.

Designating staff or volunteers trained in accessibility awareness to assist when needed.

Building in rest and sensory-friendly spaces like a quiet room for anyone who may feel overstimulated, fatigued, or need a quiet moment.

What is sensitivity reading? Why is it important for authors to use sensitivity readers for their work?

A sensitivity reader is someone who reviews an advanced copy through the lens of their lived experience — whether that’s disability, race, culture, gender identity, sexuality, mental health, or another marginalized identity. Their job is to help make sure the representation in a book feels real, respectful, and accurate.

Sensitivity reading is not about censoring or changing the story — it’s about avoiding harmful stereotypes or mistakes that could hurt readers. Think of it as having someone double-check that the story gets the details right.

It’s not to be confused with alpha, beta, or ARC reading, as it’s a professional, usually paid service focused on representation and inclusivity rather than general story feedback.

“Jess and I have worked with multiple authors. We enjoy reading their work and their take on something personal to us. We love when an author sees the value in telling our stories.”

How can readers learn more about the importance of disability representation in the romance book community?

Here are a few ways readers can learn more about the importance of disability representation in the romance book community:

Read books by disabled authors – Seek out romance novels written by authors with lived experience of disability. Their stories often portray authentic perspectives on love, intimacy, and independence that challenge stereotypes.

Follow disability advocates , content creators, and reviewers – Many disabled readers and creators discuss representation and accessibility in book spaces.

Listen to panels or podcasts – Events and podcasts often feature authors and readers discussing inclusion in romance. If you’re attending an event or book convention, ask organizers, or even suggest, activities and panels that highlight the importance of diversity and disability in romance. Jess and I get especially excited when conventions announce discussions around these topics. It’s such a powerful way to feel seen and represented in this space.

Reflect on tropes and biases – Consider how disability has been portrayed historically (e.g., as something to “overcome”) versus more modern, nuanced representations that center agency, joy, and love.

If you have lived experience, consider becoming a sensitivity reader, sharing your story with others , or even collaborating with platforms like us at Happily Ever Accessible!

Support accessible events and communities – Participate in or follow romance conventions, book clubs, and author events that prioritize accessibility and inclusion.

Follow us at Happily Ever Accessible and support our mission. Share with your friends and colleagues. Collaborate with us.

What kind of disability representation would you like to see more of in the romance book community?

This is a two part conversation. One to do with books and one to do with bookish spaces!

We always want to see more disability representation in romance that celebrates disabled joy—stories where characters’ arcs aren’t centered on “overcoming” their disability or finding a cure.

Representation should be intersectional, reflecting the real experiences of disabled people who are also part of other marginalized communities. We want to see authentic intimacy, where disabled bodies are portrayed as worthy of love and pleasure, alongside a variety of disabilities beyond the visible or physical, including chronic illness, neurodivergence, mental health, and sensory experiences. 

Additionally, we want to uplift disabled authors and own-voices stories that bring honesty, depth, and joy to the genre.

Lastly, our focus is to create bookish spaces that prioritize accessibility and inclusion. We want to see more disabled creators chosen for influencer programs, hired as accessibility coordinators, and included as panel moderators or part of event planning teams. Disabled people belong in all spaces.

Learn more about Happily Ever Accessible and the services they provide:

Sensitivity Reading – We review manuscripts through the lens of lived experience and identity, offering feedback on the accuracy and impact of representation. Our specialties include disability, spinal cord injury, paralysis, mobility aids, BIPOC and multicultural identities, intersectionality, and mental health.

Beta / ARC / ALC Reading – We provide thoughtful, honest reviews across all romance genres, helping authors strengthen storylines and connection with readers.

Event Access & Inclusion Consulting – We help authors, bookstores, and event organizers design experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all readers.

You can find us on Instagram @HappilyEverAccessible, where we host collaborations, share resources, recommendations, and reminders that love stories belong to everyone. 

DM or send us an email at HappilyEverAccessible@gmail.com for future collabs.