In the span of 44 years, my life has offered me a wealth of experiences – some challenging, some enlightening, but all instrumental in leading me to where I am today. As the founder of Equal Accessibility, alongside my son Noah, our journey has been more than just about overcoming personal challenges; it’s been a mission to transform every space we’ve entered into a more inclusive and accessible environment.
My story began in Detroit, Michigan, marked by a unique set of challenges due to being born without hands and in a wheelchair. Yet, what might have been seen as limitations, I viewed as opportunities – opportunities to innovate, adapt, and advocate for a world that embraces everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.
Navigating A World Not Designed For Us
Traveling with Noah has been an eye-opening experience, highlighting the numerous obstacles that individuals with disabilities face daily. Our trips to restaurants, hotels, and concert venues were more than just leisure activities; they were reconnaissance missions, uncovering the shortcomings in design and accessibility.
Each venue we visited offered a different set of challenges. At restaurants, we encountered tables that were either too high or too low, making it difficult for me to dine comfortably. Hotels often lacked proper accessibility features, such as ramps or adequately equipped restrooms, making what should have been a relaxing stay a series of hurdles. Concert venues, places of joy and entertainment, were sometimes the most challenging, with inadequate seating options or inaccessible areas that meant we couldn’t fully enjoy the experience.
A Lifetime Of Lessons & Observations
Over the past 44 years, each space I entered became a page in my mental notebook. I meticulously took notes on how each environment could be improved, not just for myself but for anyone facing similar challenges. These weren’t just critiques; they were blueprints for a more inclusive world.
These notes became the foundation of Equal Accessibility. They were lessons in design, empathy, and the understanding that inclusivity goes beyond mere compliance with standards. It’s about genuinely understanding the user’s experience and crafting spaces that don’t just accommodate but welcome and celebrate diversity.
A Partnership Beyond Father & Son
Working with Noah has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey. As a father, I have passed on my experiences and knowledge to him, but as a partner, he has brought new ideas and perspectives that have been crucial in driving our mission forward. His understanding of the role of a caregiver adds another layer to our approach, ensuring that we consider the needs of not just those with disabilities but also those who support them.
The Birth of Equal Accessibility
Equal Accessibility was born out of a desire to see these blueprints come to life. Noah and I realized that our experiences, coupled with my background in design and his fresh perspective, could be the catalyst for change in the way spaces and services are created and managed.
Our company is not just a business; it’s a movement. We are here to consult, educate, and redesign – to work with businesses and communities to make every space we encounter better than we found it. From the layout of a restaurant to the accessibility of a hotel room, or the seating in a concert venue, every detail matters.
Transforming Challenges Into Opportunities
Every challenge we’ve faced has been transformed into an opportunity to educate and innovate. We don’t just point out what’s wrong; we provide solutions. Our approach is hands-on (pun intended), stemming from real-life experiences and a deep understanding of the needs of individuals with disabilities.
This approach has allowed us to make significant strides in various sectors. We’ve consulted with restaurants on how to make their spaces more accessible, from the height of their tables to the layout of their dining area. Hotels have sought our expertise in ensuring their facilities are truly accommodating, going beyond the standard ADA requirements. Concert venues have also been part of our journey, working with us to create spaces where entertainment is accessible to all.
Looking To The Future
Equal Accessibility is more than just a company; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and the belief that we can all make a difference. Here’s to building a world where accessibility is not an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of design – a world that welcomes everyone with open arms.
We invite you to join us in this mission. Whether you’re a business owner looking to make your space more inclusive, an individual seeking advice, or someone who shares our vision for a more accessible world, we are here to help. Together, we can create environments where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.
