"Is This Space Accessible?" A Simple Skill Anyone Can Learn

When I was at Humber, I had an assignment that sounded simple: “Take photos of places that are accessibility-friendly… and places that aren’t.”

Easy, right? Snap a few pictures and call it a day. But as soon as I started looking, the world shifted. Stairs suddenly seemed taller, doors heavier, and hallways narrower than I’d ever noticed. That Tim Hortons I loved stopping at before class? Three steps up to the entrance with no ramp in sight. The Humber library, on the other hand, was a dream: wide aisles, comfy chairs, and clear signs that even my half-asleep brain could understand.

I realized I had been walking past invisible barriers my whole life, and thankfully, I also started noticing some truly thoughtful spaces too. That assignment gave me a superpower: the ability to walk into any space and ask, “Is this space accessible?” Here’s the fun part: you can develop this skill too.

Why Accessibility Matters

Accessibility isn’t just ramps and braille. It’s about belonging. A ramp helps someone in a wheelchair, but it also helps a parent with a stroller or anyone carrying heavy bags. Clear, bold signs don’t just help people with vision loss conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration. They also save anyone from getting lost in unfamiliar places.

In India, the gaps are even more visible once you start looking. Many cafés and shops still don’t have ramps, schools rarely feature tactile flooring or accessible washrooms, and public transport can be a daily challenge for people with mobility or sensory needs. But that also means the opportunity for change is huge, and we can all play a part in creating it.

How to Spot Accessibility and What We Can Do

Here’s a simple way to get started:

• Look at entrances and pathways. Can everyone easily get through? If steps block the way, ramps or portable solutions can make a world of difference. Even small things like installing handrails or keeping entrances clutter-free can help.

• Check the layout and seating. Are aisles clear, or do people have to squeeze through? Could rearranging furniture, marking wider paths, or offering flexible seating improve the space?

• Notice signs and communication. Are signs big, high-contrast, and easy to understand? For people with low vision, adding audio descriptions or voice announcements helps. Online, screen-reader friendly text and image alt descriptions are simple fixes with a big impact.

• Think about sensory experiences. Bright tube lights, honking, or loud background music can overwhelm people with sensory sensitivities. Offering softer lighting, calmer zones, or even staff awareness training can make environments far more welcoming.

The key isn’t just noticing these gaps, it’s acting on them. Give constructive feedback to cafés, schools, or offices you visit. Support businesses that are already doing it right. And if you’re designing or creating something yourself, make accessibility part of the blueprint, not an afterthought.

A Fun Mini-Challenge

Pick two places you visit often—maybe your favorite café and a mall you frequent. Notice what works and what doesn’t. Could a ramp, tactile markers, or clearer signs make the “harder” place more welcoming? Write it down, and if you can, share the idea with someone who has the power to change it.

Accessibility isn’t about criticizing; it’s about improving. Even the smallest suggestion or tweak can open doors (literally and figuratively) for someone else.

Why This Matters to SSD

At Scarroz Studio Design, accessibility isn’t an afterthought, it’s our foundation. From sensory-friendly apparel to inclusive journals to design services that prioritize usability, everything we create is meant to make life easier and more joyful for everyone.

Asking “Is this space accessible?” and thinking “What can I do to improve it?” is a small habit with a big ripple effect. It’s about opening your eyes, your mind, and your heart, and helping build a world where nobody is left out.

Your Turn: The next time you’re at a café, library, school, or even scrolling a website, pause for a moment. Ask yourself: Would everyone I know feel comfortable here? If yes, celebrate it. If no, imagine one change that could help. Awareness is the first step, but action is where the real magic happens.