2022: Decolonizing Accessibility

Don’t Dis Their Ability

I became deeply involved with inclusion and accessibility issues when I met, and eventually married, Keith Hogan. My life with him gave me a perspective on the world I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.

Keith was born with a disease call Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) that severely limited his physical engagement with the world, but didn’t stop him from living a full life. Technology made the difference.

Whenever I envision solutions, I ask if they’re accessible, inclusive and — as Bucky Fuller said — beautiful.

The last descriptor is important to call out because most of the solutions created for people with disabilities — or the aged, or anyone that doesn’t fit the socially proscribed model of who is considered valuable to the American economy — is unattractive, low aesthetic and reflects the designer’s opinion on what the ‘beneficiary’ should want, not what they actually need.

For example…

I’m frequently asked about the latest disability technology being…