Building a World My Child Deserves

I often say the disabled community isn’t truly disabled in any sense. We are ambassadors to the able-bodied world, paving the way for a future that belongs to everyone. Disability isn’t some distant, exclusive experience, it’s a universal reality. Whether through age, illness, accident, or the natural course of life, most people will face it in some form. That’s why what we do matters. We’re not here to ask for pity or applause. We’re here to extend a hand, guide, and make sure the world becomes a kinder, more inclusive place—not just for us, but for you too. As ambassadors, we’re not just advocating for change, we’re caretakers of a future where no one is left behind.

Here’s what I ask of you: try harder. Look around you. Notice the cracks in the system, the things you’ve taken for granted because they don’t affect you, yet. Help us build a world ready for the moment you or someone you love needs it. Right now, we’re already living that reality. We know what it feels like to arrive somewhere and be met with stairs instead of ramps. To struggle with inaccessible public spaces. To be overlooked in workplaces or left out of conversations simply because accommodations weren’t considered. These aren’t minor inconveniences, they’re barriers that could one day be yours too.

And yet, this isn’t just about removing obstacles for people like me; it’s about creating opportunities for everyone. It’s about building a world where parks are accessible to kids in wheelchairs and grandparents with walkers. Where workplaces don’t just accommodate disabilities but actively celebrate different perspectives. Where you don’t have to think twice about whether a public space is equipped for your needs or those of a loved one. By working together now, we can make that world a reality before you even realize you need it.

This is why I ask for more than your words or your sympathy. I ask for your commitment, your action, and your partnership. Because if you wait, if you ignore the need for change now, there will come a day when you face these same challenges. And on that day, you’ll understand the weight of inaction. You’ll look back and wonder why no one, including yourself, did anything about it. But by then, complaining won’t fix anything. It’s like ignoring the check engine light on your car, only to break down in the middle of nowhere. Preparing for the future now is an act of care not just for others but for yourself.

This isn’t a lecture. It’s an invitation. An invitation to join us in reshaping what accessibility means, to see it not as charity but as common sense. Imagine a world where we don’t need to fight for ramps or elevators because they’re already there. Where workplaces are designed to include everyone from day one. Where parents don’t have to explain to their children why their friend couldn’t come to the birthday party because the venue wasn’t accessible. Supporting accessibility now is more than a kind gesture, it’s the ultimate investment in a future where everyone, including you, thrives.

When you act today, you’re building a better tomorrow. Not just for me or for the disabled community, but for yourself, for your children, and for generations to come. Together, we can create a world where no one is left out, where every road, park, and public space welcomes everyone with open arms. But to get there, I need your help. Let’s work together, not to fix what’s broken, but to build something better, a future that celebrates every ability, values every person, and leaves no one behind.

The time to act is now. Let’s not wait until it’s personal. Let’s not wait until it’s too late. Together, we can make this world as inclusive as it was always meant to be.