7/17/25 - Basic accessibility

Come on in!

Let's take a break, of sorts. Let's revisit an old, familiar, and somewhat less intense and confusing part of disability activism and culture – accessibility. The ongoing, probably never-ending effort to make more and more of our public spaces and businesses physically accessible feels like an "old-school" disability issue these days. And maybe because there are fewer big emergencies involved, I think accessibility is comparatively neglected, even by disabled people. That's why I'm always interested when a new initiative comes along aimed at pushing accessibility further along. So here is some news about a new accessibility project, and some technical information on two of the most basic elements of accessibility – ramps and restrooms.

Creating Inclusive Spaces: Announcing the Inclusive Retail Coalition

Jess Davidson, American Association of People with Disabilities - July 9, 2025

"Retail leaders across the U.S. are working to change that. With a long-term vision of creating entire communities that are accessible, industry leaders from Starbucks Coffee Company, CVS Health, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Otis Elevator, LockNet, and Step ‘n Wash have teamed up with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) to create The Access Coalition: Creating More Inclusive Retail Spaces."

I am always a little uncomfortable and skeptical when disability organizations team up with large corporations on accessibility or disability inclusion projects. But as I said in my intro above, basic accessibility of community businesses and retail spaces is a relatively neglected priority in disability activism. So it's probably worth paying attention when any sort of new initiative comes along with some real resources and support behind it.

One thing I hope this coalition addresses is how smaller, independent businesses in rural areas and small towns can improve accessibility. Starbucks, Walmart, and CVS can do it pretty easily. They just have to decide. But a lot of us also shop – or want the option to shop – at much smaller businesses in our own neighborhoods. And they have a much harder time making their places accessible. This is both because they lack financial resources and because so many of them are forced to stay in lower-rent old buildings where tens of thousands of dollars can't make much more than a dent in accessibility. If this effort can offer some feasible guidance or support for that, I'll be suitably impressed.

Ramps and Curb Ramps

U.S. Access Board, Guide to the ADA Accessibility Standards

"Ramps and curb ramps are required along accessible routes to span changes in level greater than ½" ..."

Toilet Rooms

U.S. Access Board, Guide to the ADA Accessibility Standards

"Requirements in the Standards for toilet rooms address doors, turning space, plumbing fixtures, mirrors, dispensers, shelves, and other elements provided ..."

It never hurts to review the most basic principles of physical accessibility. Getting into a place and going to the bathroom are the most important priorities for disabled people, and the two areas where getting it exactly right is most essential. And that's a key thing to understand about accessibility; mostly right isn't good enough. An inch too high or too narrow is just as bad as a foot too high or narrow. Being nit-picky about accessibility isn't excessive. It's indispensable.

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