How to Place

Ethical guidelines for responsible accessibility advocacy

Core Principles

Guerilla Accessibility is Responsible Advocacy

We're not vandals. We're advocates. Our goal is inclusion, not destruction.

Respectful

Honor property and people. Build bridges, not barriers.

Strategic

Target high-impact, high-visibility public spaces first.

Educational

Every placement is an opportunity to teach accessibility.

✅ DO These Things

  • Ask permission when possible - Start with official requests
  • Focus on public spaces - Libraries, schools, government buildings
  • Choose high-traffic areas - Maximum visibility and impact
  • Use permanent locations - Places that need long-term symbols
  • Bring advocacy materials - Explain the symbol's importance
  • Document respectfully - Share successes to inspire others
  • Follow up - Check if symbols are helping people

❌ NEVER Do These

  • Damage property - No scratching, etching, or permanent marking
  • Ignore "no" answers - Respect property owners' decisions
  • Target private homes - Focus on public and commercial spaces
  • Place on historical sites - Respect cultural and historical value
  • Block existing signage - Add to, don't replace accessibility info
  • Argue with security - Stay calm, explain, and comply if asked to stop
  • Leave a mess - Clean up any packaging or mistakes

Priority Locations

🏥 Healthcare Facilities

Highest Priority - Most Need

  • Hospitals and clinics
  • Medical centers
  • Specialist offices
  • Rehabilitation centers

Why: Where ostomates go most often and feel most vulnerable

🏛️ Public Buildings

High Priority - Official Support

  • Libraries and schools
  • Government offices
  • Community centers
  • Transit stations

Why: Public funding means public accessibility responsibility

🛍️ Commercial Spaces

Medium Priority - Ask First

  • Shopping centers
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Entertainment venues

Why: Customer service focus makes them receptive to accessibility

Start with the easiest wins, then tackle more challenging locations

Approach Strategies

The Permission Approach

Step 1: Contact Management

Email or call facility managers. Use our templates to explain the symbol and request permission.

View Email Templates

Step 2: Offer Education

Share information about ostomates, legal requirements, and Japan's success story.

Get Fact Sheets

Step 3: Provide Materials

Offer free stickers and installation. Make it easy for them to say yes.

Business Orders

The Guerilla Approach

When Permission Isn't Possible

Sometimes you need to act first and educate later. Here's how to do it responsibly:

Choose Removable Stickers

Use materials that can be cleanly removed if requested. Respect property always.

Bring Explanation Cards

Leave information explaining what you did and why. Turn surprise into education.

Download Cards

Be Ready to Advocate

If approached, calmly explain the symbol's purpose. Most people support accessibility.

Safety & Legal Guidelines

Personal Safety First

  • Never act alone - Bring a friend for safety and support
  • Stay in public areas - Avoid isolated or poorly lit locations
  • Trust your instincts - If something feels wrong, leave
  • Dress appropriately - Look professional, not suspicious
  • Have an exit plan - Know how to leave quickly if needed
  • Carry ID and advocacy materials - Prove your legitimate purpose

Legal Considerations

  • Know local laws - Research posting/flyering regulations
  • Respect private property - When asked to stop, comply immediately
  • Stay non-confrontational - Never argue with security or police
  • Carry advocacy documents - Explain your mission professionally
  • Document interactions - Take notes about responses (good and bad)
  • Know your rights - But don't push boundaries unnecessarily

If Confronted

Stay Calm

Keep your voice level. Don't get defensive or argumentative.

Explain Purpose

"This symbol helps people with medical conditions find accessible restrooms."

Offer Removal

If they object, offer to remove it immediately. Respect their decision.

Advocacy Templates

Email Template: Initial Contact

Subject: Improving Restroom Accessibility - Ostomate Symbol Request

Dear [Manager Name],

I'm writing to request the addition of ostomate accessibility symbols to your restroom signage. The international ostomate symbol indicates restrooms equipped for people with ostomies (surgical openings for waste elimination).

1 in 500 people live with an ostomy, including many of your customers/visitors. Adding this simple symbol would:

• Help people quickly identify accessible facilities
• Demonstrate your commitment to inclusion
• Align with international accessibility standards (adopted in Japan 2019)

I can provide free symbols and installation guidance. Would you be open to a brief conversation about this accessibility improvement?

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Download Template

In-Person Script

Opening: "Hi, I'm [Name] and I advocate for people with ostomies - that's about 1 in 500 people who have surgical openings for waste elimination."

The Ask: "I'd like to place this small symbol on your restroom doors to help ostomates identify accessible facilities. It takes 30 seconds and costs nothing."

The Benefit: "It shows your commitment to serving all customers and follows international accessibility standards."

Address Concerns: "It's removable if needed and is used in thousands of facilities worldwide, including in Japan where it's officially required."

Close: "Can I show you exactly where it would go?"

Download Script

Objection Responses

"We don't have accessible restrooms"

"That's exactly why the symbol matters - it lets people know to ask about alternatives or helps them find other nearby options."

"I need to ask my manager"

"Absolutely! Here's an information sheet to share with them. I can also send an email explaining everything."

"People might not understand the symbol"

"Great point! That's why education is part of this. Every symbol placed teaches more people about ostomate accessibility."

"We already have accessibility symbols"

"Perfect foundation! This adds specific information for people with ostomies who need different accommodations than wheelchair users."

After Placement

Document & Share

  • Take photos of successful placements
  • Note location details and date
  • Share on social media with #GuerillaWelfare
  • Add to our global gallery
  • Celebrate the win!
View Gallery

Monitor & Maintain

  • Check back in 2-4 weeks
  • Replace if damaged or removed
  • Talk to staff about symbol awareness
  • Gather feedback from ostomates
  • Build relationships for future advocacy
Report Updates

Educate & Expand

  • Train facility staff on symbol meaning
  • Leave educational materials
  • Connect with local ostomate groups
  • Identify next target locations
  • Recruit new advocates
Get Materials

Remember: Every Symbol Tells a Story

Each placement represents hope for someone who needs accessible facilities. Your advocacy makes the world more inclusive.

Get Your Stickers

If Things Go Wrong

Hostile Reactions

  • Stay calm and polite - Don't escalate the situation
  • Apologize and remove - "I'm sorry, let me remove this immediately"
  • Don't argue or lecture - Just comply and leave peacefully
  • Document the interaction - Note location and response
  • Report to us - Help us improve our approach

Legal Issues

  • Cooperate fully - Never resist or argue with law enforcement
  • Explain your mission - Show advocacy materials and ID
  • Accept consequences - If asked to leave or stop, comply
  • Contact us immediately - We'll provide support and guidance
  • Learn and adapt - Help us refine our guidelines

Emergency Contact: support@guerrillawelfare.org

We're here to help if you encounter problems while advocating