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Why does accessibility matter?
Accessibility in public spaces is a fundamental civil right, not just a convenience. For individuals with disabilities, the ability to navigate buildings, transportation systems, and everyday environments determines independence, safety, and inclusion. Historically, public spaces were designed without considering diverse bodies and needs, leading to widespread exclusion. Today, accessibility features such as ramps, automatic doors, and elevators represent both progress and ongoing challenges.
Accessible design allows equal participation in public life.
"Accessibility in public spaces is a fundamental aspect of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within communities. It refers to the design and implementation of infrastructure, facilities, and services that accommodate individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can navigate and participate in public life without barriers" (Oxford Review).
Before accessibility laws...
Due to the fact that many facilities and services were created exclusively for individuals without disabilities, disabled people were frequently excluded from public life prior to accessibility regulations. A building with only stairs may not be accessible to a wheelchair user.
Without Braille, a blind individual might not be able to read elevator buttons or signs. Emergency alerts or broadcasts may not be audible to a Deaf person. Workplaces, restaurants, schools, and public transportation frequently lacked accommodations for those with disabilities. People with disabilities found it more difficult to shop, work, attend school, and engage in community life as a result of these obstacles. Accessibility was frequently viewed as a private matter rather than a governmental obligation. It was even possible to be denied access to public transportation (AllyAda, 2024).
This exclusion was not accidental; it reflected societal attitudes that marginalized disabled individuals and limited their participation in public life. Specifically referencing the pre-1970's, which was before any major disability legislation took place.
A group protesting disability rights gathers with signs to demand change.
The rise of disability rights
The disability rights movement pushed for equal access and legal protections. A major turning point was the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, particularly section 504, which prohibited discrimination in federally funded programs.
Title II and Title III
Title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) changed the way public spaces were designed and used in the United States.
Title II: focused on state and local government services such as schools, libraries, parks, buses, and city buildings
Title III: focused on public accommodations such as restaurants, hotels, theaters, stores, offices, and shopping centers
Importance:
Public places were difficult or impossible for disabled people to use independently
Buildings often had stairs but no elevators, narrow doorways, inaccessible bathrooms, and few communication tools for Deaf or blind people
Above is a woman using ASL to describe Title III and its importance. The transcript of the video is in the caption.
The Social Model of Disability:
The social model of disability “sees the issue of ‘disability’ as a socially created problem and a matter of the full integration of individuals into society” (Langtree, 2026). If elevators are a substitute for using the stairs, why wasn't the original focus to accommodate those with mobility aids? This thought pattern directly reflects what the social model is all about.
What is Paraquad?
As stated on their website, "Paraquad champions equity and independence for people with disabilities through services, partnerships, education, and advocacy" (Paraquad, 2026).
Paraquad is a nonprofit organization that helps people with disabilities live more independently. They also advocate for accessibility and disability rights.
The Paraquad symbol is depicted above.
Elevator Accessibility:
Many elevators were not built with disabled people in mind prior to accessibility regulations. Some buildings had no elevators at all, while others had high buttons, tiny doors, or no sound or Braille signals. Elevators became important symbols of independence because they allowed disabled people to access classrooms, offices, apartments, and other public spaces.
A metallic elevator is shown, while close up someone pressing the number five.
Some regulations were…
Elevator call buttons placed about 42 inches from the floor so wheelchair users can reach them comfortably
Interior control buttons placed no higher than about 48 inches from the floor
Elevator doors that are at least 36 inches wide to allow wheelchair access
Elevator cars that are at least about 51 inches deep and 68 inches wide so a wheelchair user has enough space to enter and turn
Raised lettering and Braille on all floor buttons and control panels
Visual signals showing the elevator’s direction and floor number
Audible signals announcing floors for blind or low-vision users
Emergency communication systems that can be used by people with hearing, speech, or mobility disabilities
Enough time for elevator doors to stay open so people using wheelchairs, walkers, or canes can safely enter and exit (Paraquad document).
Recommended Elevator Layout for Accessibility
Diagram of the necessary elevator size to provide accessibility to all. This guideline is from Paraquad 1991.
These measurements show that accessibility is about much more than simply having an elevator in a building. The exact size, button placement, and communication features all matter because they allow disabled people to use elevators safely and independently without needing help from others (Paraquad document).
Recommended Button Layout for Accessibility
A diagram depicting the necessary button height to accommodate everyone, and provide accessibility. This image is from the Paraquad archives from 1991.
Something as simple as the height of the elevator buttons can determine whether an individual is able to select a floor for themselves. Providing an accessible button height allows this need to be met for the highest number of people (Paraquad document).
What Counts as Accessibility?
It is evident from the Paraquad papers that accessibility encompasses more than just elevators. Ramps, curb cuts, larger doorways, lower drinking fountains, accessible restrooms, Braille signs, visual alarms, Deaf interpreters, and transportation access are examples of accessible design.
Additionally, the materials demonstrate that the benefits of accessible design extend beyond individuals with disabilities. Ramps, elevators, and automated doors can also help persons with temporary injuries, parents using strollers, elderly people, and those with bags.
What does this mean for the future?
As technology will only continue to advance, it is important that we keep everybody in mind. New products and features should be made with the intention of being accessible to everyone, not with accessibility added as an afterthought.
What can you do?
We challenge you to pay close attention to the next elevator you get on. Does it seem accessible? Would it be able to fit everyone's needs?
After considering this with elevators, begin to consider this with more things... such as doorways, entrances, signs, etc. Speak up to make a change!
A quote by Robin Williams is shown. The quote demonstrates how every person truly can make an impact.
If you want to learn more, check out the other exhibits and Paraquad!
Works Cited
AllyADA. (2024, September 10). A brief history of accessibility: From storefronts to homepages. https://allyada.com/article/a-brief-history-of-accessibility
Langtree, I. C. (2026, January 30). Models of disability: Types and definitions. Disabled World. https://www.disabled-world.com/definitions/disability-models.php
Oxford Review. (n.d.). Accessibility in public spaces: Definition and explanation. https://oxford-review.com/the-oxford-review-dei-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-dictionary/accessibility-in-public-spaces-definition-and-explanation/
Works Cited
AllyADA. (2024, September 10). A brief history of accessibility: From storefronts to homepages. https://allyada.com/article/a-brief-history-of-accessibility
Langtree, I. C. (2026, January 30). Models of disability: Types and definitions. Disabled World. https://www.disabled-world.com/definitions/disability-models.php
Oxford Review. (n.d.). Accessibility in public spaces: Definition and explanation. https://oxford-review.com/the-oxford-review-dei-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-dictionary/accessibility-in-public-spaces-definition-and-explanation/
Paraquad Archives. Missouri Neighborhood Integration Project Proposal. State Historical Society of Missouri, St. Louis.
Paraquad. “Our History.” https://paraquad.org/our-history
Missouri Centers for Independent Living. “Paraquad Inc.” https://mocil.org
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