Discussion about this post

User's avatar
The Symphony's avatar

So this is very much a generalized comment - but I will never forget listening to a podcast (I *think* it was Pantsuit Politics, but don't quote me), and the host was interviewing someone who had a mobility disability, and they said something to the effect of, "when communities plan + build around disabled people, everyone benefits in unforseen ways", and then gave a number of examples.

One of the prominent ones being a ramp and then a door-opening button for someone in a wheelchair. So many other people will benefit - elderly who are unstable on stairs, people with young children in strollers, even people with their hands full that opening a door would be cumbersome - just pat the button with part of your arm.

The person went on and on with other examples and I was amazed. Of course, I'd never *needed* to think about that, and likely most community planners/builders didn’t either, but what an incredible testament to what you said above - changing things so they worked and then everybody reaped the benefits.

Expand full comment
Victoria Reynolds Farmer's avatar

This is very small, but when I worked in-office, I asked that several lidded coffee mugs be made available in the break room because my uneven gait makes it easy for me to spill liquids when carrying them. HR accommodated my request and then ordered even more when other coworkers said they preferred them for various reasons. This reduced my break room anxiety immensely. It’s embarrassing to have to wipe up a spill on the way to your desk every day.

Expand full comment
10 more comments...

No posts