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Since the recent movie production of "Wicked," the actress Marissa Bode speaks on the actions that were taken place on the set in order to enhance accessibility. Marissa Bode uses a wheelchair and asserts that the movie producers approached her with professionalism when discussing her disability. The movie's set ensured inclusivity for each cast member and employed universal design products with customized accessible features sure as a chair lift, voice-activated doors, and an accessible makeup station. This all contributed to Bode being able to perform without accessibility barriers. This current event has been very influential on the industry because there is now a call of action to integrate more accessibility coordinators into the film and theatre industry.

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Even if you didn't spend all of high school as a certified theater kid, there's no way you've missed ads this season from the box office blockbuster "Wicked." The movie's stars, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, and Marissa Bode shine on screen in what's shaping up to be the most popular movie musical of all time. What's even more special is that beyond the enchantment in front of the camera, there's some additional magic that went on beyond the scenes.

Since its release, "Wicked" has received notable praise for its thoughtful disability representation, not just in its casting but on set, too. Marissa Bode (Nessarose) has since acknowledged the "Wicked" team for its efforts from the very beginning to create an accessible environment.

"Sometimes it is hard to always be vulnerable [on camera]. And when you're surrounded by so many people on a set, it can be difficult if you're focusing too much on outside elements to really have that [vulnerability] as the character," Bode told People in a recent interview.

Asking the "right questions to disabled people" is what creates a safe environment for disabled actors to be vulnerable, she said.

The actor specifically called out interactions with the filmmakers who treated her with professionalism rather than "a delicate little thing that is fragile" when it came to certain stunts, as well as a custom trailer built with accessible features like a chair lift, voice-activated doors, an accessible makeup station, an accessible kitchen, and remote-controlled wardrobe rails.

Bode credits much of this intentionality to disability coordinator Chantelle Nassari, who evaluated all aspects of the film set to make sure it was accessible for wheelchair users (like herself and actor Bode) and anyone with any access needs in the cast and crew. Nassari collaborated with every department, from wardrobe to props.

The rest of the film and theater world still needs to do better, though, Nassari says, recalling a recent attempt to see "Wicked" live. Nassari hadn't seen the musical on stage before being hired for "Wicked" the movie, and when the production staff found out, they offered to buy her tickets to London's West End so that she could become more familiar with the show. Ultimately, Nassari was unable to attend because the theater was not accessible to her wheelchair.

Having witnessed moments like this throughout her life, Nassari strongly believes her role is crucial in the world of film and theater. In an exclusive interview with PS, Nassari talks more about her work on "Wicked" and why every budget should include a disability coordinator.
PS: Is this the biggest film you've worked on? Can you talk about the huge response to the film, especially the disability representation and importance of that?
Chantelle Nassari: This is the first thing I've done on this scale before. Everything was aligned in the right place and it just worked. Joan Schneider (one of Wicked's production managers) had contacted me on a previous film to do some advisory work. She mentioned that she was hiring for an accessibility coordinator. So I went in for an interview and got the job on the spot.

Throughout the entire crew and production, the whole ethos was inclusion. It was not just about a physically disabled person playing a role - this ethos was embedded, which was important for viewers with disabilities to see. Since the movie took off, the impact of the world has been incredible, and I've been contacted by many people, which has been so moving. I'm an "old wheeler" - I'm almost 53 - and I didn't really have a community when I was younger. I used to be a contemporary dancer, and was often the only disabled person in the room. Always being the person who was "amazing" or "inspiring," was a tiring label to wear.

To be enlightened by this generation of disabled people is actually quite emotional. Marissa [Bode] is so enlightened, so compassionate, has such integrity and really stands for her beliefs - she's taught me a lot.
PS: Can you talk about the process of your work - how did you work with not only the sets, but the props, costumes, hair, and makeup?
CN: First, I helped design the film trailer from an empty shell. It became the first accessible trailer ever on a film set anywhere in the world, so we didn't want to make it just accessible for one person. It had lifts (for wheelchairs), but also had voice control for anyone that has hearing impairment, for example. When you have a budget like that and an ethos of, "let's make it happen," the possibilities are endless. That's what was so beautiful about working on Wicked - there were always no limitations (as Elphaba sings in the hit "Defying Gravity," "I'm through accepting limits, because someone says they're so.")

I ended up meeting with every department; Nessarose would have to go on a boat at one point in the movie, so I needed to meet with the props and design department to make sure the boat could accommodate a wheelchair. The costume department needed to know that there would be an accessible space for Marissa to change, and that the ruby slippers - famously worn by the character Nessarose before Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" - also worked for her.

And then I liaised with the family of 6-year-old Cesily Collette Taylor, the actor who portrays young Nessarose in the film (and also uses a wheelchair), to make sure the transport journey from LA to London went smoothly. It takes a lot of energy to perform at your best, and if showering or getting dressed was particularly difficult that morning, you have less to give and the environment needs to be spot on and exactly what you need.
PS: What other accommodations or considerations were made throughout the production and filming process, say for neurodivergent actors, or the like?
CN: This was bigger than just the actors - people in the crew had needs and would come to me saying that they were struggling with x, y, z, physically, and asked for recommendations. We wanted to make the entire space accessible on all levels. For example, on location shooting in the UK, it rained so hard. The set of Shiz University was enormous and covered in grass. I'm a wheelchair user. If the wheelchair goes through the mud, I had to then make sure the chair they use on camera wasn't covered in mud. So I'd be thinking up alternative ways of transporting the actors who are wheelchair users to the set every day.

"There are so many forms of ability and disability - it's not just about putting a ramp in. There are so many things to consider, but there of course needs to be a budget put toward this and a want."

PS: People are just starting to get familiar with the role of intimacy coordinators. How is this type of work similar and different, and how rare is this position?

CN: I'm not as familiar with an intimacy coordinator position, but [an accessibility coordinator] is really necessary moving forward. "Wicked" has been quite groundbreaking for the industry - people are suddenly going, " Oh yeah, [representation] really matters." There's a huge demographic that has something to contribute that hasn't been able to, so we're on the cusp of something huge. There are so many forms of ability and disability - it's not just about putting a ramp in. There are so many things to consider, but there of course needs to be a budget put toward this and a want.
PS: Do you think we will see more accessibility coordinators and a change of culture on film sets?
CN: I think it's going to start happening now, and things will change. As an older wheeler, I've lived with it all my life, and accepted that inaccessibility and ableism were part of my existence. I woke up to this younger generation, who were like, "Actually this isn't okay." People are going to say ableist things, and I think as long as they're in the minority, we can abolish ignorance.
PS: If people, primarily people who are disabled, want to work in this capacity, what kind of training would they undergo or how do they break into a role like this?
CN: It was a journey for me - there weren't any training opportunities that I was aware of. It was more about educating myself. I did some access consulting for a college, Wellington College, and did an assessment on their site. And I've done much smaller things. So it's not something that I thought was my role in the world. This is where I ended up, and it just fits perfectly. There are some training opportunities now, like a UK-based access coordinator training program. But it would be amazing for people to start more programs in the industry.
PS: Is this something you will be doing more often, on a full-time basis, or on more of a project basis?
CN: For me it'll be on a project basis. I physically don't have the stamina to do something on a full-time basis. With "Wicked," I was called to set and was not working 12-hour days, and was able to do things on a level that physically worked for me. Ideally, they need people there on the set daily - you miss a lot when you're coming and going. This is a huge area where there could be employment opportunities. We set the groundwork, so I'm happy to let the younger generation step up and lead the way.
PS: Did you ever follow up with the West End production of Wicked on the inaccessibility of the theater?
CN: Sadly, I was never able to access it within the time frame of filming, but the producers of the film did take this concern seriously and contacted the theater immediately. I think things will eventually change there.

That said, when it comes to logistical things like this, people with disabilities are who you should ask. Any individual is capable of answering questions, and everyone has different feelings. If you ask a question with love, you'll get a rational answer.

It sounds really simple, but like "Wicked" it's all about equality, about treating people as equal.
*Interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
Mara Santilli is a PS contributor, freelance writer, and editor specializing in reproductive health, wellness, politics, and the intersection between them, whose print and digital work has appeared in Marie Claire, Glamour, Women's Health, SELF, Cosmopolitan, and more.

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How "Wicked"'s Accessibility Coordinator Made the Land of Oz More Inclusive

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PS spoke to the accessibility coordinator for "Wicked," Chantelle Nassari, about her work on the film and why every production needs this role.

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Katrin Ivanova -- Disabled Americans rely on Rideshare apps but still say they face discrimination

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Katrin Ivanova -- Disabled Americans rely on Rideshare apps but still say they face discrimination

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This article goes on to explain how people that are disabled in the United States are relying on transportation apps such as Uber and Lyft because of their need for those accommodations. Although, they are facing some discriminations such as drivers cancelling their ride as soon as they see the "disabled" description on their account, just not having/providing proper accommodations and having the right attitude towards these people.

Disabled people are making the claim that because of this attitude and lack of knowledge and respect, they are missing out on social events around them. For example, 32-year old Amber Sherrard had to get a ride from a total stranger from the airport to her home because the Uber driver refused to drive her. This provides a voice for people that fall under this charecteristic, and explore their story.

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Disabled Americans rely on rideshare apps but say they still face discrimination

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Disabled rideshare users have for years reported having less access to Lyft and Uber than able-bodied people.

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Uber's goal has always been to safely transport individuals, but the challenges of hiring drivers without interviews can sometimes complicate this task, especially for passengers with disabilities. For individuals who require assistance, like those in wheelchairs, Uber can be difficult as they may need to explain their needs to each driver. The new identification feature for service animals enhances communication between the driver and rider, and reduces discrimination by notifying drivers in advance, ensuring a smoother ride. This policy, along with penalties for non-compliance, demonstrates Uber's commitment to inclusivity.

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Uber launches new features for riders with service animals New features for riders with service animals

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As AI has quickly come to the forefront of everyday life, it also has brought great improvements for those with disabilities, in this specific case: sight. The "be my eyes" app is an app that pairs a individual who is visually impaired with someone on the other end of a line, like a facetime call, to provide support for any situation needed. The article provided a simple example of helping a visually impaired person select out matching clothes for the day. Some major companies are invested in this usage of AI and are seeking to find ways to have AI be that "person on the other end" rather than an actual person, but there are some difficulties in simulating human preference/bias in doing so. By enhancing individual's independence and the number of other benefits, accessibility and autonomy are growing in effectiveness constantly.

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'We don't want to leave people behind': AI is helping disabled people in surprising new ways | CNN Business

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When Matthew Sherwood goes shopping for clothes, he needs help to ensure that what he's picking up is the color or style he's looking for.

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Manistee plans to improve U.S. 31 by making it safer and accessible for pedestrians and for people with disabilities. Right now, some sections of the road do not have sidewalks which makes it difficult to get places for people with wheelchairs and those with limited mobility. So now the city chose to obtain a special grant for funding new sidewalks, lighting enhancements, and possibly bike lanes. The project's total is $35 million planned for 2027. The purpose of this project is to improve walking and travel for everybody like the elderly and people with disabilities.

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Manistee, MDOT seeking grant to enhance US 31 pedestrian access

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The city of Manistee is partnering with the Michigan Department of Transportation in an attempt to make U.S. 31 a safer place for non-motorized transportation.

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Uber Adds Option For Riders With Service Animals

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Uber has recently added an option for all riders to increase options of accessibility. While the goal of the company has always been to provide a safe travel experience for both drivers and passengers, individuals with disabilities have sometimes had a difficult travel experience Certain riders have service animals, and have been refused by different drivers times, citing "no animals are allowed in the car". It is against the law for a driver to refuse service to a passenger because of a service animal. This action from drivers has caused a variety of complaints from passengers. Following a long list of complaints, Uber has made a feature on the app to allow passengers to "self-identify" if they have a service animal, and will send a notification to the driver at pickup. If the driver cancels the ride because someone has a service-animal, the driver will be sent a message stating that it is illegal to refuse service to someone with a service animal and the driver has the potential to be banned from Uber. Also last fall, Uber sent an educational to every registered driver to equip and prepare for service animals, as well as detail the rollout of the passenger "self-identify with a service animal".

The goal for Uber with this rollout and ramp up for accessbility is to make sure all passengers and drivers feel comfortable. This feature has been shown to be a positive step for everyone involved. This feature is able to prevent the refusal of rideshare, which leads to complaints. Also, with this feature, Uber is provided with data that will aid the company in addressing accessibility discrimination.

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Uber is introducing a new feature to better accommodate passengers with disabilities.

The ride-sharing service said this week that it is offering individuals traveling with service animals the option to self-identify in the app and automatically notify drivers at pickup.

"With this update, our goal is to foster clearer communication and greater confidence for both riders and drivers throughout their journey," said Chris Yoon, product manager for equity at Uber, in a posting about the new option.

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The move comes after riders have complained for years about Uber drivers refusing passengers with service animals.

With the new option, Uber said it is working to proactively address the issue. If a rider has self-identified as having a service animal and the driver cancels their trip at pickup, the driver will get a notification in the app reminding them that it is against the law to refuse someone because of a service animal.

Similarly, if a rider who has self-identified as having a service animal has their ride canceled by a driver at pickup, they will see a message asking what happened.

Whether or not a rider chooses to self-identify as having a service animal, Yoon notes that drivers are barred from refusing rides or discriminating against riders because of their service animal and drivers who violate the policy "may permanently lose access to the platform."

Uber officials said they spent two years designing and building the new feature in collaboration with disability advocates and service animal handlers.

"We appreciate Uber's launch of the voluntary service animal self-ID feature," said Karen Leies, president and CEO of The Seeing Eye, which trains guide dogs for those who are blind. "This feature is a positive step toward identifying drivers who deny people with service animals, and we hope it will not only help prevent rideshare refusals for guide dog handlers but also provide data that will aid Uber in addressing rideshare discrimination for our community."

Last fall, Uber sent all of its drivers an educational video about service animals and announced a pilot of the service animal self-identification option. At the same time, Uber rolled out options allowing riders who are deaf or hard of hearing as well as those who are blind or who have low vision to self-identify.

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Uber Adds Option For Riders With Service Animals

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Uber is introducing a new feature to better accommodate passengers with disabilities who have long complained that they face discrimination from drivers.

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This article identifies the efforts to make science and research more accessible for scientists with disabilities. It showcases challenges faced by researchers with disabilities and how they can overcome barriers. Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act improving accessibility standards, many labs and research spaces remain inaccessible, discouraging those with disabilities. This article emphasizes that inclusivity sparks innovation and that all researches bring valuable problem solving skills.

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How scientists with disabilities are making research labs and fieldwork more accessible

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Disabled scientists are trying to make research labs and fieldwork more accessible

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Carter Kowalski - Everyday Accessibility

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Carter Kowalski - Everyday Accessibility

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This article from Apple’s Newsroom talks about the launch of a clinically validated Hearing Test and Hearing Aid feature in the new AirPods Pro 2. This new Hearing Test feature allows users to self-administer a clinical-grade test to assess their levels of hearing. The over-the-counter Hearing Aid feature transforms the AirPods Pro 2 into a hearing aid for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. These advancements make hearing health more accessible and an affordable option for people that might have faced challenges accessing more traditional hearing solutions. These new features released reflect Apple’s ongoing commitment to developing inclusive products that improve the quality of life for people around the world.

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Apple introduces groundbreaking health features

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Apple today unveiled breakthrough health features coming to Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 2 to help users better manage their sleep and hearing health.

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This article is about a company, 3Play Media, launching new AI-powered tools that help colleges and universities follow the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act. These tools include audio description and captioning using artificial intelligence and human review to ensure accuracy. Every school must comply with the ADA Title II, which requires them to make their content accessible to those with all kinds of disabilities. The media system will work with major video and learning platforms to allow institutions to set quality standards for AI-generated content. If the captions are flagged as incorrect, the system will notify a human for review. This new technology will help schools provide more accessible content in a cost-effective manner.

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3Play Media Launches AI-Enabled Accessibility Tools -- Campus Technology

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Accessibility provider 3Play Media has introduced new AI-enabled video accessibility solutions designed to help colleges and universities meet ADA Title II compliance regulations.

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People with disabilities face extra hurdles amid national housing shortage

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People with disabilities face extra hurdles amid national housing shortage

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In this a article it explain the challenges of what disabled people face finding affordable apartment across the united states. This is something that if they can't fine affordable, apartments because they can't work. They have to turn to nursing homes etc., which is not comfortable and can be traumatic not living in a space that they would love too.

In the year 2023 more than half the housing complaints was filed by disabled people which was 53.26% nation wide For this reason there is either too expensive or don't have the accommodation like rooms of the right recourses to solve these issues. With all these challenges its not great for people of this kind because they struggle to be in the social space which limit there opportunity to stuff that they can do and also to see there talent. To fix the issue it is seen that developers are making more building for more accommodation to facilitate these issues. For example in the video in California there a new develop building that was build with 25 % is for there issues. as they go alone more building can be build but a challenge is funding.

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Just off a light rail station stop in San Jose, California, a new apartment building offers an alternative.

The Kelsey Ayer Station is home to people with and without disabilities across various income levels.

Micaela Connery, Co-Founder and CEO, The Kelsey: Whether you're a person with disabilities, who SSI is your sole source of income and you have almost no money to pay rent, or you're middle-income making $100,000 a year, that this community meets that diverse level of affordability.

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People with disabilities face extra hurdles amid national housing shortage

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Millions of Americans are priced out of homes and apartments. For people with disabilities, finding an accessible place they can afford can be even more challenging. Judy Woodruff reports on the affordable housing shortage for our series, Disability Reframed.

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Sophia Tognetti - Accessibility Current Event

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Sophia Tognetti - Accessibility Current Event

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A lawsuit filed by 17 states challenges a key disability rights law, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. It was initially made to prevent gender dysphoria from being classified as a disability; additionally, it calls for Section 504 to be ruled unconstitutional. There are warnings that ruling this unconstitutional would have severe impacts on access to health care, education, employment, and other essential services for people with disabilities. The Biden administration had recently updated Section 504 to include fair medical treatment, improve accessibility, and clarify certain legal protections. Advocates for accessibility worry that if the court rules it unconstitutional, it would undermine the Americans with Disabilities Act and other anti-discrimination laws. The case is not over, and concerns remain about its potential consequences. The case is currently paused with impending updates.

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Lawsuit Filed By 17 States Threatens Disability Protections, Advocates Say

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Over a dozen states are seeking to invalidate one of the nation’s key disability rights laws, advocates are warning, jeopardizing access to health care, education and more.

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The Paralyzed Veterans of America recently conducted a survey highlighting issues and emotional stress people with disabilities still face. PVA does a great job explaining the emotional distress for Americans with disabilities by creating a first person narrative. Participants feel as if their plans do not matter and as they do not matter in turn. They shed strong emotional responses to many of the barriers faced in the world today. Every person with a disability stemming from injury/mutation still suffers accessibility barriers to this day, and these barriers create a strong sense of emotional downfall for many individuals.

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PVA Survey Reveals Accessibility Barriers Still Exist for All People with Disabilities

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Paralyzed Veterans of America Survey Reveals Widespread Accessibility Barriers Still Exist, Leading to Isolation and Emotional Distress for Disabled Veterans and All People with Disabilities PVA launches multi-part PSA, “Barriers Still Exist,” urging public to join the fight for #AccessibilityForAll WASHINGTON, DC (Feb. 4, 2025) — Paralyzed Veterans of America today launched “Barriers Still Exist” – a […]

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Kush Patel - Everyday Accessibility | Airline required to pay for loaner wheel chair

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Kush Patel - Everyday Accessibility | Airline required to pay for loaner wheel chair

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In the event that a passenger's personal wheelchair is misplaced, broken, or delayed while traveling, U.S. airlines will have to provide loaner wheelchairs starting of January 2025. If a customer is left without their mobility equipment, the Department of Transportation's new regulation also mandates that airlines pay for their transportation. Major airlines like United, Delta, and American are protesting, claiming that some aspects of the regulation are outside the DOT's jurisdiction, even though this is a significant victory for passengers with disabilities. They have challenged it in court, saying it places needless costs on airlines. The provision is intended to increase accessibility and guarantee that passengers with disabilities are not left stranded without mobility help, notwithstanding the legal dispute.

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Gianna Santasiero - Everyday Accessibility

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Gianna Santasiero - Everyday Accessibility

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In January 2025, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced a plan to enhance accessibility across New York City's transit system. This initiative includes the installation of elevators at multiple subway stations, including the 137th Street-City College station, with construction efforts expected to be completed by March 2025. The MTA is also implementing wide-aisle fare gates at select stations to facilitate easier access for passengers using wheelchairs, strollers, or luggage. These efforts are part of the MTA's commitment to modernize the transit infrastructure and ensure inclusivity for all commuters.

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Penn Station gets $72 million for renovations, including new 30,000-square-foot public plaza

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Penn Station on Tuesday received a $72 million federal grant for a sweeping renovation plan to boost amenities — and try to make it easier for commuters to navigate the New York City transit …

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Aarnav Patel: Mandating Gym Equipment for people with disabilities

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Aarnav Patel: Mandating Gym Equipment for people with disabilities

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Accessibility in fitness centers became more widespread when Congress passed a bill in December 2024. Mark DeSaulnier and Senator Tammy Duckworth were representatives in Congress that made sure equipment and services were available to people with disabilities in gyms across the US by leading the bill to be passed. Staff across the nation must be trained and knowledgeable to help people with disabilities as part of the bill passing. Actually, a senator herself has a disability where she has no legs, but she brought to light how inaccessible gyms were, which brought great attention to the topic itself. The idea behind the bill is to make sure that everyone has a safe and accessible space to workout and access wellness spaces throughout the United States.

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New bill would mandate gyms to carry equipment for Americans with disabilities

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The bill would build on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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It's annoying that airlines still have trouble handling wheelchairs appropriately. A wheelchair is a necessary component of the mobility and independence of those who use it, not just a convenience. However, many travelers have experienced wheelchair damage, delays, or even loss when traveling. It can leave someone totally stranded and unable to move around independently, so it's not simply a little nuisance.

The fact that this continues to occur demonstrates how much airline improvement is still necessary. There's no reason they can't do better with wheelchairs because they have procedures in place to handle bulky bags and fragile objects. Airlines must begin to treat mobility devices with the consideration and decency they merit. For passengers who depend on them, flying will remain dangerous and stressful until they do.

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Airlines look to remove consumer protections for travelers who use wheelchairs

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Trade group for American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United say carriers are mishandling fewer passenger wheelchairs.

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The above article is from Apple's Newsroom regarding new features embedded within Apple products aiming to improve Hearing Health and Sleep Apnea Detection. These new features are specifically designed for Apple Watch and the AirPods Pro 2. Apple claims that the their Apple Watch can now detect sleep apnea through a "Breathing Disturbances" metric, tracking user's sleep patterns and notifying them of disruptions linked to the condition. The metric categorizes the user's sleep as elevated or not elevated, alerting them of their abnormal patterns and providing evidence to take to their doctor to diagnose potential issues. Hearing health is the general term applied to the AirPods, including features such as active hearing protection (maintaining a healthy level of volume within the AirPods), a clinical-grade hearing test, and a hearing aid feature for elderly users. These functions are aimed at decreasing the negative effects in-ear audio systems have on the human ear and improving hearing quality within individuals.

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Apple introduces groundbreaking health features

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Apple today unveiled breakthrough health features coming to Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 2 to help users better manage their sleep and hearing health.

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Aaron Dameron - Everyday Accessibility | Skiing

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Aaron Dameron - Everyday Accessibility | Skiing

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Vail Resorts reached out to a family with a skiing son (Drake) with cerebral palsy. The main goal of the email was to let the family know that Vail Resorts is committed to advancing the technologies and resources they can provide to disabled skiers in order to be more inclusive. They emphasized that there is no “one size fits all” solution to adaptive skiers because everyone is slightly different in how they enjoy participating in skiing and how they physically can. Some of these assistive technologies for skiers include bi-skis (half bike half ski), outriggers (which help with balance), and personalized instruction within programs. Apart from specific assistive technologies for skiers, Vail emphasized that the resorts must also adapt to include more basic assistive tech such as slopeside parking, elevators, gear drops, and other ADA compliant features. One of Vail’s resorts, Whistler-Blackcomb is hosting the first-ever winter adaptive sports programs during its Invictus event. Vail is pioneering the inclusion of skiers in need of assistive learning tech. While it may not be effective immediately, their efforts impact everyday people such as Drake and his family in amazing ways.

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The Future of Skiing is Inclusion—But What Does That Mean for My Son?

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A father explores what inclusion means for adaptive skiers, from accessibility challenges to hopes for a more inclusive ski experience.

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This article discusses various accounts of individuals with disabilities who have been discriminated against by Uber and Lyft drivers. People with service animals have been told that they will not be accommodated for and have been forced to find another mode of transportation. Many encounters have escalated towards aggression and hate speech due to impatient and not understanding drivers, who do not want an animal in their vehicle. Others, who struggle with mobility and have vision impairments have dealt with rude drivers who cancel rides because the rider cannot find the vehicle. A rally took place at Uber's headquarters which protests guide dog discrimination where about 300 people showed up sharing how common discrimination with rideshare services. Uber and Lyft have made apologies to those who have experiences such, along with refunds for the ride. Lyft is launching a "Service Animal Opt-In feature." Which allows those with disabilities to let ride share drivers know they will have a service animal with them before they are assigned a driver. Uber requires drivers to accommodate patrons with any assistive tools and regularly reminds drivers about the policy, along with an accessibility page on their website. Both companies are moving towards more inclusivity and accommodations towards people with disabilities, which was long overdue.

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Lyft and Uber drivers have a horrible habit of cancelling on riders with guide dogs.
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I've extolled the virtues of autonomous vehicles, specifically Waymo, in this column (and elsewhere) on numerous occasions. However imperfect the technology may be, I staunchly believe fully autonomous cars are the best bet Blind and low vision people have to reaching accessibility's zenith. Companies like Waymo, not to mention Cruise, enable those of us with visual impairments the ability to assert agency and autonomy in our travel. No longer must we lay at the mercy of other people's kindness to get around, making our needs feel burdensome to others. And while I'm a general proponent of readily available public transit, the reality is its efficacy varies from city to city; it can be hard sometimes to rely on it as one's primary mode of transportation if you don't have a vehicle.

What about rideshare? On one level, companies like Lyft and Uber more or less possess the same accessibility gains for Blind and low vision riders as a robotaxi. With a few taps on one's smartphone, a person can hail a ride and go anywhere they need to go in reasonably fast fashion. This also is a topic I've written about in the past, as I'm a staunch believer that, on balance, Lyft and Uber contribute positively to society. Not only are they convenient, they help people who struggle with mobility get around more freely and accessibly. But there are warts-namely, cars can be hard to find, driven by unfriendly and impatient chauffeurs. I've had drivers cancel rides altogether because I've taken too long, as my low vision makes it difficult to find the right car to get into.

I recently got a message from someone who alerted me to the news there was a rally at Uber's headquarters in downtown San Francisco to protest guide dog discrimination. Blind and low vision people lament they have been repeatedly denied service in rideshare vehicles because drivers refuse to transport their service animal. It's a situation that runs afoul of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but seemingly shrugged over.

My friend Candice Nguyen, an investigative reporter at San Jose-homed NBC Bay Area, covered this very topic for the station earlier this year.

It's a situation Suzette May has found herself encountering often.

May, a 55-year-old student at Arizona State University who lives in Waco, Texas with her husband, explained to me in a recent interview via videoconference she, with her guide dog named Fred in tow, has been repeatedly denied service by rideshare drivers. As a Blind person, May uses Lyft and Uber "a lot" during her travels, especially for her work as a disability accessibility consultant. She told me she's experienced "quite a few" denials, many of which have been "really intense." It's frustrating because it impedes May's ability to get around, with her saying the situation is only worsening. Despite disability organizations organizing educational resources for drivers, nothing is working; the ADA seemingly strikes fear in no one. May became Blind later in life, at 49, due to a degenerative condition affecting her eyes that she's coped with since birth. In the years since, she uses a cane and Fred to move about, saying rideshare is one of the ways she maintains her independence.

May attended the aforementioned rally in San Francisco last month, which was put on by the National Federation of the Blind. She reported there were 250-300 people there, including allies from various support agencies. Everyone there "had a story to tell" about being discriminated against-or knowing a loved one affected by it. As such, May said there was a lot of story-swapping as part of trying to raise awareness that day.

"We've experienced a lot of discrimination," she said of the horror stories. "People have been physically threatened [and] verbally threatened. It's traumatizing to our guide dogs... being in an argument like that, they pick up on what's going on with the humans around them. We need to do something different. We need better education."

May continued: "I've had drivers come and tell me they're not taking my f******* dog. I've had drivers who sit the back of the parking lot and wait until my five minutes is up to where I get charged for being a no-show, then they'll say, 'I'm not taking your dog. I'm canceling your ride.'"

Kristin Smedley, co-founder of Thriving Blind Academy, told me in an interview concurrent to May's that she didn't encounter a Blind person until she was 28 when her firstborn son was diagnosed with Leber congenital amaurosis when he was 5 months old. Since then, she has become a staunch ally and advocate of the Blind and low vision, even giving a TED Talk in 2017 on the topic, using her son as a prism. She called society's general treatment of Blind and low vision people "a crisis" because most sighted people sorely underestimate how capable and extraordinary those without (much) vision are in living life.

In remedying her woes and advocating for herself, May said she has continually alerted Lyft and Uber to the discriminatory practices by drivers-yet to little avail. Both companies generally punt, only refunding her money for the ride(s) along with am apology. There's sympathy, but the only real recourse is issuing a refund to the rider.

"Discrimination has no place in the Lyft community. We strive to provide an inclusive and accessible platform for riders, including those who rely on service animals or mobility devices," a Lyft spokesperson said in a statement provided to me when reached for comment. "We continually update our practices to improve accessibility for riders and are proud to be working directly with advocacy organizations in the community. This year, we are launching a Service Animal Opt-In feature, allowing riders to disclose that they travel with a service animal when requesting a ride. This feature is a significant step in our broader mission to ensure that riders feel safe and supported on our platform."

Lyft's opt-in feature enables riders like May to clearly disclose in their profile that they ride with a service animal. Drivers will see the guide dog designation only when they accept a ride, as the real-time notifications are meant to eliminate cancellations based solely on the service animal.

There's a webpage dedicated to service animals on Lyft's site. Of particular import is the company plainly states there are consequences for drivers who refuse riders with guide dogs, including "immediate and permanent deactivation if an investigation into the alleged denial verifies a wrongful denial." Lyft adds drivers are expected to comply with the law; as it goes with wearing seatbelts, it also flies with service animals.

For its part, Uber has similar initiatives regarding service animals on its platform. The company requires drivers to transport disabled people and their assistive tools, including guide dogs, when they sign up to drive. Moreover, Uber sends regular reminders via email about its Service Animal and Assistive Device Policy to drivers. Under has a page dedicated to accessibility on its website, with the company announcing last month it will be rolling a program similar in scope to Lyft's that it says empowers people to self-identify their disability in their profile.

"We want all riders with disabilities to have a safe, dignified, and positive experience when using the Uber platform to move around our communities," an Uber spokesperson said in a statement when reached for comment. "Our policies prohibit drivers from denying service because of a rider's service animal or assistive device, and we routinely remind drivers that this conduct is unlawful and can result in permanent deactivation. Recently, we shared with drivers a new education module regarding this policy and we announced a service animal handler self-identification pilot for riders coming this fall. We are committed to collaborating with the disability community to continue driving forward on our commitment to achieve accessibility for all on Uber."

However scarred she is, May remains gracious. She "doesn't want Lyft or Uber's money" nearly as much as she wants drivers who overtly discriminate to be held accountable. If riders were denied service based on their race or sex, there would be an uproar. It's intolerable. What's happened to May happens to others, yet comparatively only receives a peon's pittance of the attention and commensurate uproariousness.

"When you're disabled, [discrimination] seems to be okay. That's got to change," May said. "We definitely need better education."

For her part, Smedley agreed wholeheartedly with May's comments. Smedley said if May were denigrated for being a woman, "the world would go crazy." But because she's a Blind woman, it doesn't make much noise. Most, Smedley added, don't relate to disability because they aren't impacted by it-even tangentially. The disability community is the easiest to join, so people should show exponentially more empathy.

"[Disability] is going to affect you at some point," May said. "People need to realize this is a big deal. This is a big problem. It needs to be fixed."

As to the future, both May and Smedley expressed optimism people will become more educated and enlightened on disability rights and adopt a no-tolerance outlook on discrimination. May wants to keep using rideshare for its obvious accessibility benefits. Smedley said it can be a "serious competitive advantage" for businesses to include people with disabilities in their decisions. Given the accessibility-oriented documentation on their respective websites, it's appropriate to credit some contingent at Lyft and Uber for seeing the value of inclusivity.

As for Waymo, May said she used it "several times" during her time in San Francisco. She "loved" the experience and enthusiastically noted she would "totally use it all the time" if ever Waymo finds its way to Waco.

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Riding With Lyft And Uber Isn't A Joy For Disabled People With Service Animals

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On one level, companies like Lyft and Uber more or less possess the same accessibility gains for Blind and low vision riders as a robotaxi.

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Jude Black | Accessibility in the Olympics

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Jude Black | Accessibility in the Olympics

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This past Olympics has raised the question: as host countries prepare their cities for the Olympics in the future, is there enough attention focused on accommodating individuals with disabilities? In the most recent Olympics hosted in Paris, there were many concerns raised regarding the Paralympic Games. Many of the city's public transportation systems did not help accommodate all guests, particularly wheelchair users. Despite the event's emphasis on inclusivity, the Paris Metro was largely inaccessible for these groups, with only 9% of stations adapted for people with reduced mobility. To combat this in the long term, the Île-de-France regional president worked to make the metro more accessible with projects that were projected to require 20 years of work and up to 20 billion euros. To accommodate visitors of the Games in the short term, the city has worked to increase the amount of accessible shuttles and taxis. Regardless of the efforts this past Olympics, this will continue to be an important issue in Olympic and Paralympic events moving forward.

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Mathias Benguigui/Pasco and co for Le Monde

"Did you see how hard that was?" For 56-year-old Ndieme Lame, getting on the bus alone on Wednesday, August 21, in Paris proved impossible: The slope was too steep. Two extra pairs of arms were needed to take her electric wheelchair on each side and push it. At a time when official speeches are repeating that the Olympic and Paralympic Games represent an acceleration in terms of disability awareness, this scene, a fragment of the daily life of a person with reduced mobility in the French capital, bears witness to the fact that there is still a long way to go. For example, wheelchair users can take twice or even three times as long to get around as able-bodied people.

Despite investments made in recent years by the RATP Paris transport operator and France's national train company, SNCF, as well as the City of Paris, accessibility on public transport remains "insufficient," said Lame. Born in Dakar to a Senegalese mother and French father, she was diagnosed with polio at 11 months. A Parisian since 2001, the former supermarket cashier, who is about to retrain as a craftsworker, has been wheelchair-bound since 2013.

Ndieme Lame, on the RER B platform, Paris, August 21, 2024. MATHIAS BENGUIGUI/PASCO AND CO FOR LE MONDE

During the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Lame, who has been a member of the APF France Handicap association for some 20 years, was one of 300 people selected by the organization to serve as a volunteer. During the Olympic period, she worked at the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis north of Paris, as a "spectator service" team member, a role she will take on again during the Paralympic Games.
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2024 Paralympic Games: Wheelchair-bound in Paris, 'I get a knot in my stomach when I go out'

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While the hosting of the Paralympic Games is supposed to improve accessibility for people with reduced mobility, even getting around the capital is a challenge.

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The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN-Habitat, and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the first Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM) at the World Urban Forum in Cairo. This action plan aims to improve transportation by promoting walking, cycling, and other non-motorized transport for better health, environmental outcomes, and road safety across Africa. It emphasizes creating safe and accessible infrastructure, advocating for active mobility, and integrating these modes into policies. PAAPAM is designed to address the region’s significant mobility challenges, including high road traffic fatalities and air pollution. It will be implemented in at least 10 countries starting in 2025.

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UN launch first-ever Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility at World Urban Forum

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The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN-Habitat, and the World Health Organization (WHO) have launched the first-ever Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM) at the World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt, marking a significant milestone in ensuring a just transition in the transport sector.

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Joseph Eason - Everyday Accessibility | Sports Inclusion

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Joseph Eason - Everyday Accessibility | Sports Inclusion

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The article / video I found is about The University of Chicago - Illinois women's basketball team partnering with The Beautiful Lives Project to makes sports, specifically basketball, more accessible to those with disabilities. Being able to participate in sports and physical activities is something that many, including myself, take for granted on a daily basis. Sports is more than a physical activity, it is a team building activity that brings a wide variety of people together. However, due to physical disabilities that many people face, they are never afforded this opportunity of camaraderie and friendship. The Head Coach of the women's basketball team stated it is her hope that together with the Beautiful Lives Project they will be able to make basketball accessible for everyone in the Chicago area. One participant stated that it was a great accomplishment to play with the team, and even completing what some would deem "simple exercises" is rewarding.

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Women’s basketball program helping make sport more accessible to everyone

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The University of Illinois-Chicago women’s basketball program has teamed with The Beautiful Lives Project to help bring basketball to children and adults with disabilities.

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The information in this link takes a look at the current trends of accessibility and inclusiveness. AI is the first important trend for Americans with disabilities. Americans with visual impairments can benefit from advanced speech recognition. Being able to seamlessly speak into a laptop is huge for these Americans when having to create essays or breakdowns. Another topic of the article is about the impact of VR technology. This is one of the most promising trends due to how sign language can be easily transmittable in any situation. Websites are developing just like the outside world to be completely inclusive and accessible to any American. There is much promise for the impact technology can have on accessibility.

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ADA & Inclusive Technology: Top Trends Shaping Accessibility in 2024

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Discover the latest trends in inclusive technology and accessibility with our article ‘ADA and Inclusive Technology: Trends to Watch’. Explore how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) continues to drive innovation and digital inclusion since 1990. Learn about groundbreaking advancements in tech that are transforming accessibility and bridging gaps for individuals with disabilities. Stay informed on how these shifts are shaping a more inclusive digital landscape! #InclusiveTech #ADA #AccessibilityTrends

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The article that I found reflected on the U Chicago Illinois basketball team working to make sporks more accessible to people with disabilities. This is the second straight year that the school worked with The Beautiful Lives Project to help adults and children with disabilities have the ability to play basketball. The video focuses on how important it is for people to be able to participate fully in sports as it helps with self-esteem, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. The video gives a 1 on 1 interview with a person who is blind, and he gives his take on how important it is for the opportunity to overcome challenges. I really enjoyed this video and think that the project is a great opportunity for people with disabilities.

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Women’s basketball program helping make sport more accessible to everyone

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The University of Illinois-Chicago women’s basketball program has teamed with The Beautiful Lives Project to help bring basketball to children and adults with disabilities.

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The U.S. Justice Department and Chicago Cubs have struck a settlement, which will bring more access at Wrigley Field in its attempt to try and meet the long-term complaints of being in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under the pact, the Cubs will increase more wheelchair-accessible seating, which will include club premium space as well as the front-row viewing area for handicapped fans. The team also will make things more accessible to the bleachers, parking, and restrooms. Furthermore, all employees and contractors who interact with customers will be trained under ADA for the next three years, and the Cubs will promote the use of accessible seating. While this settlement resolves significant accessibility issues, another lawsuit challenging the adequacy of Wrigley's renovations under the ADA remains on appeal.

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The Cubs and the Justice Department have reached a settlement on Wrigley Field accessibility

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This ends a long sequence of legal actions regarding accessible seating at the ballpark.

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Major U.S. airlines are pushing back against a new USDOT rule that strengthens protections for passengers with disabilities. The rule requires better staff training, stricter wheelchair handling, and faster reimbursements for damaged devices. Airlines argue it oversteps federal authority and have filed a legal challenge, despite acknowledging the need for accessibility.

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Airlines Push Back On Expanded Rights For Passengers With Disabilities

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Several major U.S. airlines are challenging a new federal rule aimed at improving travel for those with disabilities.

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Sam Newmyer -- Recent Developments in Accessibility for College Students

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Sam Newmyer -- Recent Developments in Accessibility for College Students

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A recent report from the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice (CHEPP) highlights the barriers to accessibility in higher education. These challenges include problems with institutional policies, inadequate training for faculty, and issues with technology. The report suggests policy changes at both the state and federal levels to improve accessibility.

In response, organizations like the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) are working together to improve accessibility in universities. Their goal is to create more inclusive and equitable educational environments for all students.

These developments show that while there are still challenges to making higher education accessible, there are also efforts underway to create better learning environments for everyone. Addressing these issues is important for ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed.

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In this article, Kevin Carrier goes into detail about how new technologies are making it easier for people with disabilities to access services. Carrier himself has Stargardt illness. The article mentions that 46% of New Brunswickers with disabilities are employed. This number is very low considering that 35% of New Brunswickers have a disability. He suggests that employers begin to implement tools that better enable those with disabilities to work.

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Here’s how artificial intelligence is levelling the playing field for workers with disabilities | CBC News

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More than 35 per cent of New Brunswickers have a disability, according to Statistics Canada, and only 46 per cent of them are employed. But recent advancements in technology are levelling the playing field for people with disabilities, which could help close that gap.

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This example about the UK court system provides a unique perspective on the accessibility movements, as it is not in America. I want to start with a mind boggling fact: Across all of the Great Britain, only 2% of courts are fully accessible, and 84% fail to accommodate wheelchair users.

With around 16 million disabled people living in the UK, this is a huge issue, and the system in place is extremely outdated.

Most of these courts are deteriorating buildings from decades ago. Things we see quite often even at UGA such as disability parking, elevators between floors, and ramps are almost not existent in courtrooms. With how stressful legal processes can be, this only makes matters worse, delaying the time it takes to get cases heard, and further hindering those with disabilities. An astonishing 25% of court cases get delayed more than a year partly due how awfully structured they are.

Despite many government efforts to reform the courts, there has been little substantive change. The lord chancellor announced a re-launching of the Disability Contact Officer network in 2023, and a budget of 220 million pounds to help modernise UK courts. This was met with disdain by many, as previous efforts were futile. With a growing population of disabled people in the UK, people want to see change.

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Courts are crumbling - but accessibility is an even bigger issue

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More than three quarters of courthouses are not fully accessible for wheelchair users. Britain's disabled population deserves better

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Nathan Coptsias - Everyday Accessibility 

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Nathan Coptsias - Everyday Accessibility 

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Several major US airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United are attempting to appeal a new Department of Transportation rule that created stricter liability and harsher penalties for airlines when mobility devices such as wheelchairs are lost or stolen. This new rule requires airlines to implement better training and more just and timely compensation for those with lost or stolen mobility devices. This rule was created on January 16th of this year. The airlines believe that they should not be penalized for damages to mobility devices because of conditions that are out of their control such as unexpected turbulence. The DOT insists that this rule is fair because the actions of the airlines “impose a burden on passengers with disabilities that they do not impose on passengers without disabilities.” The airlines have joined a lobbying group called Airlines for America and are actively attempting to have this rule reversed. It is unclear at this time if they will be successful in their attempts.

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Major US airlines challenge Biden-era DOT wheelchair accessibility rule

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The DOT’s Biden-era rule protecting travelers with mobility devices is being brought to court by major U.S. airlines.

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This article by AccessiBe is very interesting. An estimated 15% of the world’s population has some degree of disability, facing barriers in physical and digital spaces. Web accessibility issues include auto-playing media, inaccessible PDFs, CAPTCHAs, and lack of compatibility with assistive technologies. Physical challenges can include inadequate ramps, seating, and restrooms. They can also include high-frequency lighting and spaces with heavy scents. Some other barriers include inaccessible voting booths, sensory overload environments, and restrictions on service animals. Some Digital barriers are missing alternative text, poor color contrast, and videos without captions. Addressing these challenges through awareness and compliance with accessibility standards, such as those outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, is crucial for inclusivity. Implementation will help create equal opportunities for all.

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accessiBe Team Last updated on December 18, 2024

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Accessibility Issues You Need To Pay Attention To In 2025 - accessiBe

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Discover uncommon accessibility issues that people with disabilities face on a daily basis. Ensure your website is fully accessible to all visitors.

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Molly Pickel - 2024 Voting Accessibility 

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Molly Pickel - 2024 Voting Accessibility 

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This article goes into detail about the various current obstacles in voting for people with disabilities. It provides quotations and testaments for various people about how they do not feel considered important in elections, when really they make up a large number of voters, and they are key for presidential candidates to have their support and have their votes counted. It also discusses the different policies regarding healthcare for disabled persons by each presidential candidate, and how the acknowledgement of their presence is so important to the disabled community. Many individuals interviewed for the article discuss how they would love to see candidates discuss disability benefits, and acknowledge many issues regarding accessibility to transportation, and new policies regarding better Medicare for people with disabilities. Overall, the stance of the article and is so important and something that is truly not discussed enough, especially regarding the ways the disabled community needs to be acknowledged as key components in major elections.

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Voters with disabilities are feeling ignored by presidential candidates

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A Rutgers University report says about 40 million U.S. voters are disabled. Advocates say they are less likely to receive political information and can face voting challenges.

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Michael Gorinshteyn - Everyday Acessibility

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Michael Gorinshteyn - Everyday Acessibility

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In Australia they have a program called Changing Places that supports accessibility for people in wheelchairs. The Albanese government just pledged over $17 million dollars to this. This will help fund infrastructure projects for national parks, play areas, and beaches. This will include facilities that will have all-terrain wheelchairs, nobi-matting, and portable changing places facilities. This will give people with disabilities better access to public spaces and better their lives.

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Creating a more accessible Australia | Department of Social Services Ministers

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The article explores the importance of accessibility in everyday life and how it directly affects individuals with disabilities. The author emphasizes that accessibility is not just about convenience but is essential for fostering independence, inclusion, and equal opportunities. When accessibility is lacking, it creates barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in society. This can range from physical barriers, such as inaccessible buildings, to digital barriers, like websites and apps that are not screen-reader friendly. The author highlights that when accessibility is prioritized, it allows individuals to navigate the world with greater ease and dignity, reducing stress and frustration in their daily lives.

The article also discusses the emotional and psychological impact of accessibility. When environments are designed with inclusivity in mind, individuals with disabilities feel valued, respected, and empowered. On the other hand, a lack of accessibility can lead to feelings of exclusion and isolation. The author argues that accessibility should not be treated as an afterthought or a special accommodation but as a fundamental human right. When businesses, institutions, and society as a whole invest in accessibility, they create a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone. The piece serves as a reminder that accessibility benefits not just people with disabilities but society as a whole, as it fosters diversity, inclusivity, and equal participation in all aspects of life.

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The true impact of accessibility - Life of a Blind Girl

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Accessibility plays a factor in everything we do. Here are some of the ways it has a positive impact on our lives.