Ever struggled with a heavy door? Now imagine doing it from a wheelchair — every single day. This is the everyday battle many wheelchair users face: opening doors that just weren’t designed with accessibility in mind. Avery Roberts and Kelly Berger discuss the significant challenges that doors present to individuals living with disabilities, particularly those who use mobility devices. They explore various types of doors, the awkward interactions with strangers when seeking assistance, the effectiveness of automatic push buttons, and the importance of reporting inaccessible spaces. From poorly placed buttons to impossible entryways, we explore real stories, unexpected challenges, and creative solutions. The conversation emphasizes the need for better design and awareness in public spaces, as well as community engagement and advocacy to improve accessibility for all. 

Links Mentioned:

• Report an ADA violation: https://www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): https://ada.gov

• Contact Your Region/ADA Center: https://adata.org/find-your-region

Connect with Kelly Berger

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Connect with Avery Roberts

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Intro/Outro music created by Andy Rusch

Image Description: Avery and Kelly engage in a virtual conversation. Kelly, on the left, is light-skinned with shoulder-length light brown hair. She is wearing wireless earbuds and a patterned shirt. Avery, on the right, is also light-skinned with medium-length brown hair. She is also wearing wireless earbuds and a dark colored top. A microphone is visible in front of her. The background behind both women is out of focus.