Accessible (2013)
Sung to “Impossible” from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1965)
I wrote this when I worked as a contractor for the Department of Veterans Affairs. VA wanted ideas to encourage more people to accommodate workers and customers who had disabilities. I submitted this song idea. The VA’s project manager found it so silly, he had me removed from the contract.
I still hope to get Accessible produced as an animated video, using a toucan to lead viewers from slide to slide. Ideally, it would be used by all government agencies that promote, enact, and enforce the application body of law, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
First, the Rodgers and Hammerstein video:
And now, my lyrics.
“Accessible” Lyrics © 2013 Paul Franklin Stregevsky
ACCESSIBLE!
When your fax and your printer can be understood by any.
ACCESSIBLE!
When your phones and computers can be piloted by many,
And everyone who’s cannier than a toucan
Can make their way as effortlessly as you can.
ACCESS-IHH-BLE!
Oh, a welcome world is yours to create,
For each visitor and cubicle mate,
And the law says you must try to accomm-odate.
’Cause-when-you boot those barriers day-by-day
You’re boosting the American Way:
ACCESSIBLE!
You and Section Five, Oh, Eight!
ACCESSIBLE!
ACCESSIBLE!
ACCESSIBLE!
ACCESSIBLE!
ACCESS-SS-SS-IBLE!
ACCESSIBLE!
When your maps and your menus can be put to work by many.
ACCESSIBLE!
When your forms and your warnings can be acted on by any,
And everyone who’s cannier than a toucan
Can make their way as effortlessly as you can.
ACCESS-IHH-BLE!
Oh, a welcome world is yours to create,
For each visitor and cubicle mate,
And the law says you must try to accomm-odate.
’Cause-when-you boot those barriers day-by-day
You’re boosting the American Way:
ACCESSIBLE!
You and Section Five, Oh, Eight!