Or: Why you don’t have to be disabled to care
You’ve probably heard the phrase: “Accessibility helps everyone.”
That’s… almost true. But not quite.
Accessibility exists to remove barriers for disabled people. It’s not about making things more convenient – it’s about making things possible.
But when you do that – when you design with those needs in mind – something wonderful happens. The benefits ripple outward. They help more people than you expected. And that’s not just a happy accident. That’s good design.
The curb cut effect
You know those little sloped corners at the ends of sidewalks? They were designed for wheelchair users. But now we all benefit – whether we’re pushing strollers, dragging suitcases, riding scooters, or just tired of tripping on uneven pavement.
Image credit: Sketchplanations
Digital accessibility works the same way.
- Closed captions are essential for deaf and hard-of-hearing users – but also great when you’re watching in bed and don’t want to wake your partner.
- Big, easy-to-tap buttons are critical for someone with a tremor – but also great when you’ve got a coffee in one hand and your phone in the other.
- Clear, simple language is crucial for people with cognitive impairments – but also a relief when you’re tired, distracted, or in a rush.
These are often described as situational impairments. They’re temporary. They’re contextual. They’re part of being human.
We tend to think of impairment as a binary – you either have a disability or you don’t. But reality is more fluid than that.
- Permanent impairments are ongoing, like being blind or having cerebral palsy.
- Temporary impairments might come from a broken arm or an ear infection.
- Situational impairments are shaped by your environment, like trying to use your phone in bright sunlight or struggling to hear a video in a noisy café.
Different causes. Same barriers. Same solutions.
If you’ve ever needed captions, or struggled with glare, or tried to tap a tiny link with your non-dominant hand – then you’ve experienced what accessibility is trying to solve.
You already use assistive tech
Accessibility isn’t some special feature set. It’s everywhere.
The keyboard you’re typing on? Invented for a blind woman.
The TV remote? Created for people with limited mobility.
The mouse you’re holding? Originally designed as an alternative to a keyboard.
These started as inclusive innovations – and now we treat them as standard.
Accessibility doesn’t just improve access. It drives progress. It’s a catalyst for better design, more flexible products, and broader reach.It’s not about making things easier.
It’s about making things possible.
And that changes everything.