It’s Easier to Remove Physical or Digital Barriers than Mental Ones

When I encounter a planter blocking my wheelchair path, I can ask someone to move it. It’s a straightforward request where both the barrier and the solution are easily understood that someone can act on immediately. Physical barriers are tangible, and solutions are often simple and clear.

When I encounter a piece of software that isn’t accessible, I can advocate for the code to be updated so it follows the W3C accessibility guidelines. Changing software is not like sledgehammering concrete. With the right advocacy and awareness, many companies are willing to make these changes. Digital barriers, while sometimes complex, can often be addressed with specific, actionable solutions.

The hardest barrier to remove? Changing people’s minds.

Shifting deep-seated pre-conceived notions like “disabled people don’t matter” is a monumental challenge. These biases are ingrained over years and influenced by societal attitudes. It’s not just about asking or demanding change—it’s about educating and challenging these beliefs consistently. It’s about creating empathy which is always uncomfortable because true empathy is combined with a sudden realization that you were the cause of some of these problems.

Engaging in conversations, sharing experiences, and promoting stories that highlight the value and contributions of disabled individuals are crucial steps. It’s a slow process, but every small shift in perception counts.

Representation and psychological safety matters too. If you don’t see people with visible disabilities and hear people with invisibile disabilities talking about them in the workplace, it is easy to forget that we exist.

Let’s work together to break down these mental barriers, fostering an inclusive mindset where everyone matters. We need allies and advocates who are committed to driving this change. By working together, we can create a society that truly values inclusivity and accessibility for all.

Alt: It’s easier to remove physical or digital barriers than mental ones.