What Does Accessibility Mean?

You may have encountered the term "accessibility" in relation to amenities for individuals with disabilities, such as designated parking, wheelchair ramps, captions for videos, or interpreters at events. Even if you’re not familiar with disability issues, these forms of accessibility are likely known to you.

However, access encompasses much more than these examples and extends beyond the disability sphere. To grasp the full essence of access, one must recognize the prevailing societal context that often neglects accessibility.

Challenges Faced by the Disabled Community

Individuals with disabilities frequently encounter skepticism regarding their needs. They often seek resources to lead fulfilling lives, only to be met with questions like, “Do you really require that?”

While this may not always be the exact phrasing, it manifests in various situations—whether it’s opting for gluten-free foods, using elevators, taking medication, or using motorized carts in stores. Ultimately, the choices made to alleviate suffering can be scrutinized and doubted.

The underlying question behind, “Is X a disability?” often translates to, “How desperate are you for help?” This societal norm implies that only those in dire need are entitled to assistance, leading many to feel unworthy of seeking alternative solutions.

This societal pressure aligns with the “medical model of disability,” which views disabilities as problems to be corrected—evidence of deficiency. This perspective is the predominant societal view, and when one’s existence is seen as a problem, it often leads others to dismiss their needs and experiences.

The Social Model of Disability

In contrast, the “social model of disability” reframes disability not as a defect but as a mismatch between individual capabilities and societal structures. If everyone used wheelchairs, our environment would be inherently accessible. However, since society is primarily designed for those who walk, the presence of a wheelchair can severely limit one’s mobility.

This model emphasizes the need to adapt society, rather than forcing individuals to conform to its expectations. Accommodations are tools or modifications that bridge the gap between a person's natural abilities and societal demands.

For instance, if a job requires prolonged standing and an individual cannot stand for long periods, providing a stool allows them to perform the job effectively without compromising their health. Accessibility means enabling individuals to engage fully without limitations.

Accessibility outside the Disability Sphere

As I embraced accessibility, I realized its broader implications. No body or mind is entirely capable at all times. While there is a distinction in treatment between those perceived as disabled and those seen as able-bodied, everyone experiences moments of vulnerability.

Every individual has unique needs that, when overlooked, can hinder their overall effectiveness. If everyone deserves safety and emotional well-being, then all individuals should have access to the resources necessary to achieve those goals, regardless of their physical or mental status.

Implementing accessibility universally benefits everyone—ramps assist not only wheelchair users but also individuals with strollers, those using canes, or even cyclists. Accessibility recognizes the diversity of human needs and strives to accommodate them.

Accessibility shifts the expectation from enduring hardship to having needs met. It prompts the question: Why not seek help? Why struggle unnecessarily? The aim is to pursue freedom and fulfillment rather than mere efficiency, which often serves capitalist interests over individual happiness.

The Link Between Accessibility and Social Justice

Returning to the social model of disability, it emphasizes the disconnection between individual capabilities and societal structures. This structure includes physical design, such as bathroom stall sizes, as well as societal expectations. If a community shames individuals for taking breaks, it enforces restrictive norms that prevent necessary rest.

Thus, creating an accessible environment requires transforming both societal attitudes and physical spaces. The principles of accessibility intersect with social justice, as both seek to dismantle barriers faced by marginalized groups.

The mission of social justice is to address the ways society has failed to accommodate diverse populations. Marginalized individuals often lack the same autonomy, safety, and opportunities as those who are privileged. The pursuit of social justice is fundamentally about ensuring that everyone can access their rights.

Being an Accessible Individual

To cultivate accessibility, we can identify two main categories of barriers: internal and external.

External barriers are tangible challenges, such as a disability that limits mobility. For instance, when grocery shopping is too taxing, assistance from a partner alleviates that burden.

Internal barriers include beliefs and thought processes that hinder personal growth and accessibility. For example, feeling ashamed to ask for help can prevent individuals from seeking necessary support. Overcoming this requires self-acceptance and reassurance.

In striving for accessibility, we can focus on three key areas: Self, Relationships, and Society.

Accessible Self

Being accessible to oneself means recognizing personal needs and structuring life accordingly. This involves identifying potential obstacles and finding intuitive solutions rather than forcing oneself to conform to societal expectations.

Embracing self-accessibility allows for growth and the acceptance of imperfections, reinforcing the worthiness of investing in oneself. This ongoing process includes shedding societal beliefs that prioritize efficiency over well-being.

Accessible Relationships

To foster accessibility in relationships, one must acknowledge that personal needs may not align with those of others. It involves understanding and respecting the individual needs of loved ones, approaching conflicts with curiosity, and ensuring open communication.

Accessibility in relationships entails taking responsibility for one's needs while allowing others to express their own. It requires setting boundaries and being receptive to the needs of others.

Accessible Society

Being an accessible person on a societal level does not imply that one must single-handedly address all issues faced by marginalized groups. It involves recognizing collective responsibility and identifying actionable steps to improve accessibility.

This includes considering the needs of those from different backgrounds, actively listening to marginalized voices, and questioning existing societal structures that may be exclusionary. It’s crucial to confront any discomfort in advocating for marginalized individuals and unlearn societal norms that foster resistance.

Introducing "Accessible Me"

Integrating accessibility into one’s life is a dynamic journey, shaped by evolving needs and circumstances. To support this process, I am launching an advice column titled "Accessible Me," aimed at offering guidance on self-improvement, relationships, chronic illness management, and social justice.

If you have questions on living more accessibly or overcoming specific obstacles, feel free to reach out. Selected submissions will be featured on my blog, Yopp, and in my new Medium publication, “Accessible Me.”

Your inquiries not only help you but also provide valuable insights for others facing similar challenges.

I wish you success on your path to greater accessibility.

Ask a Question for Accessible Me!

This article has also been published as “Accessibility, Social Justice, and Self Growth: A Guide to Being an Accessible Person” on Yoppvoice.com.

About the Author: Kella Hanna-Wayne is the founder and primary writer for Yopp, specializing in topics such as civil rights, disability, chronic illness, and social justice. Her work has appeared in various publications, and she released a self-published poetry book, “Pet: the Journey from Abuse to Recovery.” Connect with her on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Medium, and Twitter.