Embedded Files
Introduction
Introduction
COVID-19 revealed the lie we'd been told for decades: that accessibility was too expensive, too complicated, too disruptive. Suddenly, when systems needed to function differently, remote work became possible overnight, virtual access was created instantly, and delivery systems emerged everywhere. This module examines how the pandemic exposed that accessibility was always likely, but systems didn't want to provide it. We'll explore the difference between individual accommodation(making disabled people fit into inaccessible systems) and true access (designing systems that work for everyone).
Learning Intentions: Distinguish between accommodation and access, understand universal design as a justice framework, and analyze how COVID revealed artificial barriers.
Content
Content
Core Content (Essential Reading/Viewing)
Core Content (Essential Reading/Viewing)
"Access Intimacy" - Mia Mingus
"The Accessible Icon and Universal Design" - Sarah Hendren
"How COVID-19 Changed Digital Accessibility" - Chris Mays - UserWay
"The Future of Work: How Remote Work Benefits Employees with Disabilities - Lifeworks
Supplementary Content
Supplementary Content
COVID Revelations:
"Disabled people have been demanding remote work for decades. Here's what happened when the pandemic made it possible" - Gleb Tsipursky - FORTUNE
"How Remote Work Allows Workers with Disabilities to Flourish" - Anders
"Virtual Event Participation is Key for Accessibility" - Debra Guckenheimer - Rooted in Rights
Universal Design Principles:
The 7 Principles of Universal Design - Centre for Excellence in Universal Design
Designing for disability playlist - Ted Talk
Accessible and Inclusive Public Spaces: Foundations for Thriving Communities - URBACT
Beyond Compliance:
ADA Compliance vs. True Accessibility - Ernie Crawford - Document Strategy
"We were maybe not going to save the world, but we were going to save each: How Disabled Mutual Aid is Different than Abled Mutual Aid - Leah Laksmi Piepzna-Samarasinha
Reflection & Engagement Options
Reflection & Engagement Options
Journal Prompts
Journal Prompts
Think about a space or system you use regularly. How could it be designed differently to work better for people with different bodies and minds?
What accessibility innovations did you witness during COVID? What does this tell us about what was always possible?
Reflect on the difference between asking for special accommodation versus expecting systems to be accessible from the start. How does this feel different?
What barriers do you face in your daily life that aren't typically considered "disability" issues? How might universal design address these?
Discussion Questions for Learning Communities
How did COVID reveal the artificial nature of many accessibility barriers? What excuses can institutions no longer make?
What's the difference between accommodating disabled people and designing accessible systems from the beginning?
How does shifting from individual accommodation to universal design change power dynamics?
What would it look like if accessibility was community-controlled rather than institution-controlled?
Creative & Artistic Engagement
Visual Arts:
Design accessible spaces or systems that don't currently exist
Create before/after artwork showing accommodation vs. universal design
Make visual guides for community-controlled accessibility
Performance & Movement:
Create performances that show the difference between fitting in vs. belonging
Develop accessible theater or dance that works for multiple access needs
Role-play scenarios showing accommodation vs. universal design
Music & Sound:
Create audio maps of inaccessible vs. accessible spaces
Write songs about the world we could build with universal design
Design sound installations that demonstrate accessibility concepts
Digital & Tech:
Build prototypes of more accessible apps or websites
Create digital tools that demonstrate universal design principles
Design accessible virtual events or online spaces
Community Art:
Conduct accessibility audits of public spaces with community members
Create community maps showing accessible vs. inaccessible spaces
Organize design charrettes for more accessible community spaces
Writing & Documentation:
Write speculative fiction about fully accessible futures
Document accessibility innovations in your community
Create accessibility guides written by and for disabled people
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