Building a World My Child Deserves, The Importance of Accessibility

Published on 13 January 2025 at 19:59

As a dad, I spend a lot of time thinking about the kind of world I want to leave for my child. A world where he can explore, grow, and thrive without unnecessary barriers, and as someone who’s navigated life with a disability, I know firsthand how much work there is left to do to make that world a reality not just for me, but for him, for you, and for everyone we care about.

The truth is, accessibility isn’t just about ramps, elevators, or parking spaces. It’s about creating a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate fully and equally. It’s about making sure no one has to feel excluded or less-than simply because something wasn’t designed with them in mind. And it’s not just for people like me, it’s for you too. Because whether we like to think about it or not, disability touches all of us at some point. It’s part of being human.

Maybe one day, you’ll need that ramp. Maybe it’ll be your parents, your partner, or your best friend. Life is unpredictable, and the things we think won’t affect us often do. That’s why I believe so strongly in the importance of making the world more accessible now. Not tomorrow, not when it’s convenient, but now while we have the chance to make things better for everyone.

I think a lot about how the disabled community is often seen as needing help. But what I’ve come to realize is that we’re not just here to ask for help. We’re here to offer it. We’re ambassadors to the able-bodied world, showing what it takes to create a future that’s ready for everyone. Our experiences teach us resilience, adaptation, and the importance of inclusion. We know where the gaps are, and we know how to fill them. But we can’t do it alone.

So, I’m asking.....no, I’m inviting you to be part of this change. To look at the world through a wider lens. To think about what accessibility means and how you can help make it a reality. Maybe it’s advocating for better policies. Maybe it’s supporting a local park to make it more inclusive. Maybe it’s just taking the time to notice the barriers around you and speaking up when you see them. Every little bit counts, and together, we can build something better.

Because when we make the world more accessible, we’re not just helping people with disabilities. We’re helping ourselves, our families, and future generations. We’re creating a society where no one is left out, where everyone can thrive, and where kindness and common sense guide the way.

As a father, I want to look my child in the eye and say, “We did everything we could to make this world better for you.” And I hope one day, he’ll grow up in a world where accessibility isn’t an afterthought but a given. Let’s work together to make that world a reality for him, for you, and for all of us.

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