Equitable Access: Why it Matters
Building a Just and Inclusive Society for All
Equitable access is a fundamental human right, yet disabled individuals continue to face barriers to access in various aspects of their lives. Let’s examine the importance of equitable access for building a just and inclusive society and its benefits to disabled and non-disabled individuals.
Equitable access is a matter of justice. Disabled individuals have the right to participate fully in society. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes this right and affirms that disabled individuals should have equal access to essential services, education, and employment opportunities. However, despite these rights, many disabled individuals still face discrimination and barriers to access. For instance, only 40% of polling stations in the U.S. are fully accessible, making it difficult for many disabled individuals to exercise their right to vote (Brennan Center for Justice). Disabled students may also encounter challenges accessing education due to the lack of accommodations and accessible facilities. Additionally, disabled individuals often face employment discrimination, with an employment rate of only 33% in the U.S. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
These barriers to access and discrimination are unjust and result in a loss of valuable contributions from disabled individuals. Companies prioritizing disability inclusion have been shown to outperform their peers in profitability, revenue growth, and shareholder returns (Accenture). Furthermore, involving disabled individuals in decision-making leads to more innovative solutions and equitable outcomes. For instance, when the city of Toronto consulted with disability groups on its winter maintenance plan, it improved snow removal and accessibility for everyone (CBC).
Equitable access benefits everyone, not just disabled people. For example, accessible infrastructure like curb cuts, initially designed to help wheelchair users navigate the built environment, are now widely used by parents with strollers, delivery workers with hand trucks, and others. One study found that 97% of respondents who use curb cuts do so for reasons unrelated to disability (Disability Visibility Project). When we design products and services that are accessible to everyone, we create a more inclusive and diverse society.
However, achieving equitable access requires more than just implementing accessible infrastructure or accommodations. It requires a fundamental shift in how we think about disability and inclusion. We need to recognize and address the intersectionality of disability with other identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status. Disabled individuals who belong to marginalized groups may face additional barriers to access and discrimination.
To achieve equitable access and disability inclusion, we must actively remove these barriers and ensure that disabled individuals have the same opportunities to participate in society as non-disabled individuals. This includes providing accessible infrastructure, accommodations, and services; promoting disability inclusion in education and employment; and involving disabled individuals in decision-making processes. We can also work to change societal attitudes towards disability and recognize the valuable contributions disabled individuals can make to society.
Equitable access is crucial for building a just and inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We must continue to advocate for disability inclusion and work towards creating a world where disabled individuals have equal access to essential services, education, and employment opportunities. As disability rights activist Haben Girma says, “Disability is an opportunity for innovation. It’s an opportunity to be creative and think outside the box.” Let’s seize this opportunity by working together to remove barriers to access and create a world where everyone can participate fully.
Thank you. Pass it on.
