Independent living is a life-altering experience that allows for self-growth. By implementing Universal Design (UD) elements into public and private spaces, the opportunity to live independently expands for individuals with disabilities. 

Nearly fifty years after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act went into effect, Americans with disabilities are still fighting for the same rights and opportunities as their peers. Health disparities affect minorities across America every day. 

Universal, accessible, and usable design are all concepts that promote environments fit for everyone, including people with disabilities.

Since the 1800s, people with disabilities pushed for recognizing disability as an aspect of identity that influences experiences and is not the sole-defining feature of a person. Unfortunately, harmful biases, assumptions, stereotypes, and irrational fears created a stigma around disabilities that followed a lack of advancements in access to public transportation, telephones, bathrooms, stores, office buildings, and other work sites. This stagnation left disabled individuals unable to find employment and kept them from opportunities for meaningful work.

When going on a vacation, wheelchair users may want to consider the accessibility of the city they are planning to visit. Wheelchairs can go to more places in the United States than ever, and these are the five most accessible cities for wheelchair users to adventure:

Discrimination, stigma, and stereotyping are just some of the challenges that disabled people face every single day. Beyond this viewpoint problem that society has, individuals with disabilities often struggle with a built environment that excludes them from everyday activities. So, don't you think it's high time that we change our lens on disability?

To transform into an all-inclusive society, we need to address the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. The change will come only when we work hand in hand with the disabled community to break down these hurdles.

A workplace benefits from a diverse team because different experiences and backgrounds can provide new ideas, optimized processes, and more inclusivity.

The meaning of ‘diversity’ may vary for different individuals. It’s important to consider the fact that diversity is not confined to race, sexual orientation, and gender.

The meaning of true diversity stretches far beyond these classifications. Still, while planning their diversity strategies, employers tend to overlook people with disabilities. This results in an inaccessible workplace for such individuals.

The best way to interact with people who have disabilities is to see them the way they see themselves, which can definitely be a challenge as we exist in our own minds. Take cues from the person with disabilities. If they demonstrate a high level of independence, then don’t try to do things for them or “baby” them in any way.

If a person with disabilities requests assistance, then help. In either case, you allow them to showcase how they wish to be treated.

Here are some simple yet effective ways to empower those with disabilities.

The major barrier to communication with people with hearing loss is often the lack of consideration by others. For successful and effective communication, all parties need to be aware and considerate.

Even if a person uses a hearing aid, others taking part in the conversation must use valuable communication strategies.

First and foremost, detectable warning tiles and surfaces were designed to assist individuals with disabilities to safely navigate public spaces, and then, in 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandated the use of detectable warning tiles in public areas throughout the United States.