February is Low Vision Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of accessibility and inclusion, not just as a legal requirement but as a fundamental element in a thriving, connected world.
My name is Sheldon Lewis, and at nine years old, I was diagnosed with Choroideremia, a progressive eye condition that gradually took my sight. Despite the challenges, I built my own business and a successful career, and I'm now a board member on the Choroideremia Research Foundation.
Today, as a Nonprofit Partnership Manager at accessiBe, I advocate for a world where accessibility is not an afterthought but a foundation for opportunity.
Inclusion isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about ensuring that people with disabilities can fully participate in society, whether that be employment, shopping, or social life. This past month, I had the privilege of engaging in two conversations that reinforced this message: one with the blind and low vision community and another with the next generation of designers. These discussions highlighted the power of inclusive design and the role businesses and institutions play in shaping a more equitable future.
Building community and advocacy
As part of White Cane Week, an annual event in Canada that raises awareness of the challenges of living with vision loss, I had the opportunity to share my experience on a panel at the Fondation Habilitas. This organization plays a vital role in supporting people with disabilities, and participating in their event was an opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences.
I spoke alongside several advocates sharing their lived experiences, including Rickson Makwe, a talented blind musician. Our conversation was powerful, underscoring how crucial accessible environments are for people with low vision. It reinforced a vital truth: accessibility is about more than just individuals; it’s about society coming together to ensure that barriers don’t exist in the first place.
Organizations and businesses must listen to their members, employees, and customers with low vision. By embracing accessibility, they’re not just accommodating needs; they’re contributing to innovation, fostering inclusion and reaching untapped potential.
Teaching the next generation: Design Thinking at McGill University
As someone who has navigated life with decreasing vision, I know firsthand how essential it is for society to consider diverse perspectives, especially when it comes to designing both physical and digital spaces.
I was invited by my friend Professor Jared Lee to speak at McGill University’s MBA Design Thinking class. Design thinking, “a structured and creative approach to human-centered problem solving,” is critical to shaping an accessible future.
Speaking to the students, I emphasized how design can either create barriers or break them down. I wanted students to understand that accessibility isn’t just a feature, but an essential element of great design. It was an incredible opportunity to help students understand how a blind person navigates society and why their work, in particular, can have a real-world impact on creating a more inclusive future.
During the Q&A session, students reflected on the intersection of design and inclusion, considering how their work could impact people with disabilities. Some connected the conversation to their personal lives, thinking about family members or friends with disabilities. Others considered how accessibility could improve the lives of people with disabilities in rural communities who often lack essential services.
These discussions matter. They shape the future leaders who will decide how technology, services, and spaces are designed and built.
Why this matters
Looking back on these experiences, I am reminded that people are willing and eager to engage in conversations about disability. When we share our perspectives, we help others think critically about how they can contribute to change. I am hopeful that thanks to conversations like these, organizations, students, and designers we will come up with new ideas and solutions that contribute to a more inclusive world.
Digital inclusion is the bridge to participation in today’s world. It ensures that job seekers with disabilities can apply online, that anyone can make purchases independently, and that everyone has equal access to information and services.
At accessiBe, we are committed to leading by example and fostering this culture of inclusion. We continue this work as we share our knowledge, support organizations in their accessibility efforts, and engage in conversations with nonprofits, businesses, and universities worldwide.
Want to learn more about policy and technology advancements for the blind community? Check our collaboration with Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind on the podcast “Where are we now”. By pushing the boundaries of accessibility with education, advocacy, and AI-driven solutions, we can turn digital inclusion into a reality.
