Accessible vs. Function

(Local View from 4'2, Lake County Press, November 14, 2025)

Accessible versus Functional

Recently a disabled friend shared a video on Instagram with me. The video was of a young woman in a manual wheelchair cooking in her kitchen and her points were about accessibility versus usability. This has been my message for decades but maybe with too many words at times.

Far too often places, spaces, and people claim to be accessible or wheelchair friendly. They use words like “being up to code” or “of course we are wheelchair accessible!” However when we show up at their establishment or event we find a step to get in the door, only one type of table such as high tops, "accessible” bathroom stalls that don’t fit wheelchairs or walkways and hallways that are too narrow for chairs to fit through. The list goes on and on, unfortunately. These examples are what the content creator would call “claiming accessibility.”

Spaces and places that are truly wheelchair friendly see the whole person and all of their needs. They are usable or functional spaces. They may need a few more modifications or have flexible use depending on who is in the space. These principles can be learned and applied from Universal Design. There are so many new gadgets and design possibilities today compared to years ago but the lagging older infrastructure and applying new knowledge is often in the way of new innovation that impacts everyday life. OR the hardest to swallow issue is a beautifully designed new space or renovation but some very simple last minute change or detail makes a space inaccessible or unsafe. This is the one that makes me the hottest under the collar. These types of issues can be avoided by simply involving disability experts, people that live this life every day, to be a part of the decision making process.

Recently in almost every podcast I have recorded, you can hear me say something along the lines of “If you wouldn’t do it to a non-disabled person, don’t do it to a disabled person.” Or the flipside, “If it is something you would do or provide for a non-disabled person, then do or provide it for a disabled person.” This concept has brought on a variety of ah-ha moments for the hosts and audience members. It is much like the Golden Rule but for some reason these “new” words land differently. The power of words. 

As we enter into the cooler weather with the lovely fall and winter holidays and gatherings, I am excited to spend more time in the kitchen. I will try some of the things I saw the young woman on Instagram doing- cutting with her cutting board on her lap and moving other kitchen items to more friendly spaces and heights. I am excited to reconnect with friends who have different seasonal schedules so as we gather for upcoming holidays I will remember to ask for my special drinking glass that they have in their homes, foods that fit my diet so I can show up as my best self, and having pre-event conversations so we can all have our needs met and have less unmet expectations. Communication is key for everyone. Curious questions are always welcome.

Best wishes on making places, spaces, events and gatherings more functional for everyone. Reach out if you have questions during your planning stages and LCP will connect us.