The problem with disability that nobody’s talking about
What do you think of when you hear the word “disability?”
Maybe you think of the blue wheelchair symbol on parking stalls, stories in the news about injuries, or maybe you have a more personal experience of knowing someone with a disability or having one yourself.
Most likely though, disability isn’t even on your radar. Curb cuts are a requirement, ramps and elevators are in every building and people with mobility issues are a minority, right?
Wrong.
More than one billion people in the world have some sort of accessibility need, and yet the world is not ready to accommodate the different ways people get around. (Think: wheelchairs, crutches, strollers, scooters and walkers.)
People with disabilities are held back by workplaces that are inaccessible, places that can’t accommodate different needs and attitudes that can’t see potential, to name a few barriers.
So, how do we solve the problem?
We need to change how we think and talk about accessibility and inclusion in order to break down barriers.
Why?
Accessibility isn't just for people who identify as having a permanent disability – it's also for those with mobility challenges, temporary injuries and parents using strollers. Accessibility benefits everyone at some point in their lives.
Inclusion isn't just about tolerating differences -- it's about making sure our attitudes don't limit the potential of other people. Everyone deserves an equal chance to be included.
Whether you have a disability or not, you can help change the conversation by choosing to see the potential in people, no matter what their difference.
Help create a world without barriers.
