The Power of Inclusive Design

I recently went to Willow Bend Park, a new accessible park in Loveland, Colorado, with my family. It was an amazing experience to see all kinds of people sharing a space that was built for everyone. It wasn’t just a park; it was a living example of what it means to create a community where everyone belongs. That visit reminded me why accessibility matters so deeply, not just in our playgrounds, but in every corner of society.

Sometimes when we talk about accessibility, it’s easy to assume it’s just about wheelchair ramps or reserved parking spots. But accessibility is so much more. It's about creating a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can live, learn, work, and play with dignity and autonomy. As someone who advocates alongside families navigating the world of disability, I’ve seen firsthand the transformational power of inclusion, not only for individuals, but for entire communities.

Accessibility Is a Foundation for Equity

In 1990, the United States took a historic step toward equity by passing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark law demanded that society remove barriers, whether architectural, educational, or attitudinal. Ramps, curb cuts, accessible restrooms, and audible traffic signals became everyday reminders that inclusion is not optional, it’s a right.

Countries like Norway, Australia, and the United Kingdom have followed suit with their own accessibility laws, recognizing that a truly equitable society must be designed for all of us, not just some of us.

Innovation Driven by Inclusion

It might surprise some to learn that accessibility often drives some of our greatest innovations. From text messaging (originally created for Deaf users) to screen readers and navigation apps for blind travelers, technology built for accessibility often becomes universal. In Japan, wearable navigation devices guide people who are blind through cities using vibrations in their shoes. In the U.S., the ADA helped usher in new tech, from voting devices with Braille controls to speech-to-text in classrooms.

When we design for the margins, we often create better experiences for everyone.

Inclusive Education Matters

Education is one of the most powerful equalizers and it must be accessible to all. In the U.S., the ADA’s Title II ensures that public and private schools must provide accommodations like physical therapy, speech services, and sign language interpretation.

As a parent and former educator, I know how critical it is to ensure that children with disabilities are seen, supported, and included in their learning environments. They deserve to show up fully and to be met with opportunities, not obstacles.

Accessibility Enhances Quality of Life—For All of Us

Ultimately, accessibility isn’t about charity. As Sara Minkara, the U.S. State Department’s Special Advisor on International Disability Rights, puts it: inclusion must be seen not as pity, but as a human right.

When we make our parks, buses, classrooms, workplaces, and websites accessible, we build communities where people thrive. Children play together. Families explore together. Adults work and contribute together. That’s the kind of world I want to live in and help build.