Unlocking Inclusive Design: Mastering the Key Principles of Accessibility
Offering accessibility as a service has been a cornerstone of our work for nearly two decades. Our philosophy is straightforward: we help organizations—whether public or private—move away from exclusive design practices and become more inclusive for people with disabilities. But the real challenge lies in recognizing that accessibility is not just a set of standards […]
Breaking Barriers: How New DOT Guidelines are Paving the Way for Accessible Public Transportation
On December 18th 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a final rule adopting the Access Board’s Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) as part of its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for new construction and alterations of transit stops in the public right-of-way. Starting January 17, 2025, all new construction and alterations of […]
Why the inevitability of disability means we should demand more from built environments
As a team of disabled people, Direct Access is of the view that urban infrastructure throughout history has favored the convenience of a wholly inaccurate and idealistic idea of what a society “should be”. Put simply, most human settlements are largely discriminatory toward people with disabilities, favoring the needs of the non-disabled individual instead of […]
How accessible tourism invigorates community engagement and boosts business
Irrespective of the financial and social benefits the travel and tourism industry can provide to businesses who facilitate these experiences, the ability to travel and enjoy products, services, and environments is a fundamental right for every person with a disability. As such, it is the responsibility of these same businesses and attraction providers to ensure […]
How to facilitate inclusive Electric Vehicle Charging Points
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are considered a sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles. This is due to the lower emissions they produce and the opportunity to reduce society’s dependence on fossil fuels their introduction to our roads presents. However, it is equally important that EVs are accessible and inclusive as their usage becomes more commonplace. As is […]
The Accidental Accessibility of Luxury Residential Developments
In the luxury residential sector, developers often focus on creating spaces that exude elegance and exclusivity. However, many of the high-end features marketed to appeal to the desire for convenience—such as seamless flooring transitions, wide corridors, and automated systems—are, in fact, cornerstones of accessible design. While accessibility isn’t always the focus, luxury developers often demonstrate […]
