Standing committee
Accessibilities
So that no barrier keeps an alcoholic from the A.A. message.
What this committee does
The Accessibilities Committee works so that every alcoholic who reaches out can receive the A.A. message and take part in our program — members who are Deaf or hard of hearing, blind or low-vision, homebound or chronically ill, living with the effects of brain injury or stroke, or facing less visible barriers. As the A.A. guidelines say, there are no special alcoholics, but many alcoholics face additional barriers to the message.
- Type
- Standing committee
- When we meet
- Every 2nd Thursday · 7:00–8:00 PM
- Who serves
Bob K. · English
Open seat · Spanish
- Area committee guidelines
- Approved September 2003
Its work in Area 09
- Explore, develop and encourage ways for every member to take part in A.A., whatever their accessibility need, and keep accessibility materials available.
- Encourage certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters at A.A. functions; keep a list of meetings with ASL and of interpreters willing to sign at A.A. events.
- Keep a list of wheelchair-accessible meetings and send updates to the central/intergroup offices.
- Share the Accessibilities Checklist for Meetings and Groups (SMF-208) with groups and districts.
- Point members to online ASL meetings and international online meetings for Deaf alcoholics.
- Support district accessibilities representatives and keep Area committees and central offices informed of the committee’s work.
- Work with Public Information, CPC and the Elder Community (CEC) committees so the public and agencies know A.A. is accessible.
How to get involved
Any interested A.A. member in Area 09 can join — district accessibilities representatives are especially welcome. The committee meets on Zoom on the 2nd Thursday of each month and reports at every Area meeting.
How it is organized
An English-speaking chair and a Spanish-speaking co-chair, both elected by the Area Assembly for a two-year term starting January of even years (five years of continuous sobriety suggested for standing-committee chairs). The co-chair acts when the chair cannot. Decisions that affect the whole committee need a quorum — a majority of members at the meeting.
A little history
Known as the Special Needs Committee when its guidelines were written (revised September 2003); renamed Accessibilities in line with the General Service Conference.
When we meet
When
7:00–8:00 PM · Pacific time
- Next: Thu, Oct 8, 2026
- Next: Thu, Nov 12, 2026
- Next: Thu, Dec 10, 2026
- Next: Thu, Jan 14, 2027
Add to your calendar
Google Calendar and the .ics file add every date of this meeting; Outlook.com adds the next date.
Who serves
Panel 76There is a seat for you
This committee has open positions. Chairs are elected or confirmed at an Area meeting — write to the Area Chair to say you are interested, or come to the next meeting and introduce yourself.
Who served in Panel 74
- Open position · Accessibilities Chair
- Mauricio L. · Accessibilities Chair (Spanish)
First names and last initials only. The e-mail addresses belong to the service position, not the person, and pass to whoever serves next.
Guidelines & reports
Area committee guidelines
How this committee is organized in Area 09, as approved by the Assembly.
Earlier versions (1)
More copies in the document library (1)
Reports & records
Minutes, reports and flyers from the document library, newest first.
A.A. literature & service material
This service on aa.orgFrom the General Service Office (aa.org): guidelines, workbooks and pamphlets for this service, in English and Spanish. The codes help when ordering printed copies.
On aa.org1
A.A. Guidelines2
Workbooks1
Kits & resource lists1
Service material3
Frequently asked questions
Does my group need special equipment to be accessible?
Usually not. Start with the Accessibilities Checklist for Meetings and Groups (SMF-208): parking, entrance, route inside, restrooms, seating, lighting and someone to welcome and orient newcomers. Small changes make a big difference.
How can I find a meeting with an ASL interpreter?
Online meetings with ASL are listed by the Online Intergroup (filter “ASL”). For local options, write to the committee — keeping a list of ASL meetings and interpreters is one of its duties.
See something out of date? Tell the Web Servant: webmaster@msca09aa.org · edit the data file
Related committees & service
Cooperation with the Elder Community
Carrying the message to the older alcoholic.
- Lisa Marie P. · English
- Jose F. · Spanish
Every 4th Thursday · 10:15–11:45 AM
Remote Communities
Reaching alcoholics isolated by geography, language or culture.
- Tony P. · English
- Mauricio T. · Spanish
At the Area meeting break-out (2nd Sunday)
Public Information
Accurate information about A.A. for the public — with anonymity protected.
- Open seat · English
- Open seat · Spanish
At the Area meeting break-out (2nd Sunday)
Cooperation with the Professional Community
Telling professionals what A.A. is — and what it is not.
- Louis T. · English
- Dario D. · Spanish
At the Area meeting break-out (2nd Sunday)
Technology
The website, online meetings and the tools that let service happen.
- Teri M. · English
Every Friday · 11:00 AM–12:00 PM