Keisha Greaves is the founder of Girls Chronically Rock, an adaptive fashion consultant, and a self-advocate. In a new blog series, Keisha will share her story, as well as her perspective on key issues for the disability community. In this entry, Keisha writes about what accessibilty is, why it matters, and how to create a more accessible world.
When people hear the word accessibility, they often think of ramps, elevators, or wheelchair-friendly entrances. But accessibility is so much more than that. It’s not just about ticking off a compliance checklist, it’s about making sure that people with disabilities (like me) can navigate and fully participate in the world without barriers. Accessibility isn’t just about physical spaces; it’s about digital spaces too. And trust me, I’ve had my fair share of experiences—both good and bad—when it comes to navigating an inaccessible world.
What Is Accessibility?
At its core, accessibility means ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to spaces, information, and experiences. It’s about inclusion. It’s about respect. It’s about dignity.
Accessibility takes many forms:
- Physical Accessibility – Think ramps, automatic doors, wide hallways, accessible bathrooms, and proper signage. It’s about making sure that a space is designed so that people with disabilities can move freely and comfortably.
- Digital Accessibility – Websites, apps, social media, and other online platforms should be designed so that people who use screen readers, voice commands, or other adaptive technologies can engage just as easily as everyone else.
It sounds simple, right? But let me tell you, the reality is often far from perfect.
Accessibility in Everyday Life: My Personal Experiences
I was born with muscular dystrophy, and while I’ve always been determined to live life on my own terms, the world hasn’t always made it easy for me. I could go on for hours about the places I’ve struggled to access, the awkward encounters, and the times I’ve had to fight for what should already be a given. But let me share a couple of moments that really stand out.
Navigating Cambridge: A Tale of Two Cities
Cambridge, Massachusetts, has been my home and my playground in so many ways. It’s an incredible city filled with innovation, history, and culture. But as much as I love Cambridge, I can’t ignore the accessibility challenges that still exist.
I remember one evening when I was supposed to meet a friend for dinner at a new restaurant. I had checked online beforehand to see if it was wheelchair accessible. The website said it was, but when I arrived, I was met with a small flight of stairs and no ramp.
I was stuck outside, embarrassed, frustrated, and honestly, just tired. My friend ended up having to find another place nearby that was accessible, but that moment stuck with me. Businesses still don’t realize that accessibility is non-negotiable, it’s not just a courtesy, it’s a necessity.
But on the flip side, I’ve also experienced moments where accessibility was truly prioritized. The Cambridge Public Library, for example, is a space that I can move around freely in, with ramps, elevators, and automatic doors that make my visits seamless. It’s proof that when accessibility is intentionally designed, it can make a world of difference.
The Digital Divide: When the Online World is Just as Inaccessible
We live in a digital world now, and if a business, service, or event isn’t accessible online, it might as well not exist for many of us.
One of the most frustrating experiences I’ve had was trying to fill out an important online form, only to realize that the website wasn’t compatible with my screen reader. Buttons weren’t labeled correctly, navigation was clunky, and I was completely blocked from completing a task that should have taken just a few minutes. I reached out to the organization, letting them know about the issue, and do you know what their response was? “Oh, we didn’t even think about that.” That’s the problem. Accessibility should never be an afterthought.
Why Accessibility Matters
Some people might think, “Well, how many people really need these features?” The answer: More people than you think.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has some type of disability. That means millions of people are affected by inaccessible design, whether that’s in buildings, public spaces, or online.
But beyond the numbers, let’s talk about why accessibility truly matters:
- Accessibility Creates Independence: For me, and for so many others, accessibility means being able to live independently. It means not having to rely on someone to open a door, navigate a website, or figure out an alternative way to access something. When things are designed with accessibility in mind, it empowers people with disabilities to do things on their own terms.
- It Benefits Everyone, Not Just Disabled People: Ever noticed how ramps help parents with strollers? Or how captions on videos make content easier to consume in noisy environments? Or how voice commands (like Siri and Alexa) benefit everyone, not just those with mobility limitations? Accessibility isn’t just for disabled people, it makes life easier for everyone.
- It’s a Civil Right: At the end of the day, accessibility isn’t about convenience, it’s about human rights. Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) exist for a reason. People with disabilities shouldn’t have to fight for basic access. Period.
- Businesses That Prioritize Accessibility Thrive: Companies that invest in accessibility see better engagement, customer loyalty, and brand reputation. When businesses make the effort to be inclusive, they tap into an entire market of people who are often overlooked.
- It’s About Dignity and Respect: Nobody should have to feel like an afterthought. Nobody should have to call ahead to make sure they can enter a building. Nobody should have to struggle to access something that others take for granted. Accessibility is about making sure everyone is treated with respect.
What Needs to Change
So, how do we create a world that is truly accessible? It starts with awareness, but awareness isn’t enough, we need action.
- Businesses Need to Prioritize Accessibility from Day One: If you own a business, whether it’s a physical space or an online platform, accessibility needs to be a priority from the start—not something you “fix” later.
- More Voices from the Disability Community Need to Be Heard: We need more disabled people at the table when decisions are being made about public spaces, technology, and policies. If you’re not listening to the people who are directly affected, you’re not really solving the problem.
- Universal Design Should be the Standard: Universal design is the idea that spaces and products should be usable by everyone, without the need for special modifications. If we build with accessibility in mind from the beginning, we won’t need to play catch-up later.
- Laws and Regulations Need to be Enforced: We have laws like the ADA, but enforcement is often lacking. Businesses should face real consequences for failing to comply with accessibility standards.
Final Thoughts: Accessibility Is Non-Negotiable
Accessibility isn’t just something that people with disabilities need, it’s something that makes the world better for everyone.
I’m tired of fighting for things that should already be in place. I’m tired of calling out businesses that should know better. But most of all, I’m hopeful. Because every time someone listens, every time someone takes action, we get a little closer to a world where accessibility is the norm, not the exception.
If you’re reading this, I challenge you to think about the spaces you move through, the websites you visit, and the way you design things. Are they truly accessible? If not, what can you do to change that? Because accessibility isn’t a favor, it’s a right. And it’s time we all start acting like it.