Imagine how disabled people can, rather than assuming we can’t

People with Disabilities are not primarily held back by inaccessible technology but by ableist thinking—the deeply ingrained societal assumptions that underestimate our capabilities. The author, Joshua A. Miele, shares how he was told as a teenager that Blind People couldn’t study physics because physicists “have to write on blackboards.” He went on to earn a physics degree from UC Berkeley, proving that assumption wrong. But more importantly, his journey highlights how ableism—not just inaccessible tools—is the most persistent barrier preventing People with Disabilities from full participation. This story is a call to action: we must challenge ableist assumptions and learn directly from People with Disabilities rather than relying on outdated stereotypes.

Miele’s experiences in physics and later in accessible technology design reveal how People with Disabilities are forced to create their own accessibility solutions just to navigate systems never designed for us. From developing software to convert data into sound to pioneering accessible GPS apps and tactile maps, his career demonstrates the critical role of People with Disabilities in designing our own accessible futures. But while accessible technology is essential, the real problem isn’t just the tools—it’s the gatekeeping that assumes we can’t. Removing barriers means dismantling ableist hiring practices, educational exclusion, and limiting societal narratives that prevent People with Disabilities from being seen as innovators, designers, and leaders.

Despite undeniable contributions by People with Disabilities, ableism remains deeply embedded in hiring practices, education, and public perceptions. Miele recounts how a recruiter dismissed his qualifications, questioning how a Blind Person could be a designer—ignoring his decades of experience creating accessible technologies. This is the reality that People with Disabilities face daily: assumptions of incompetence before our skills and accomplishments are even considered. Removing barriers requires interrupting these ableist beliefs and ensuring that People with Disabilities are valued for our expertise, not excluded based on false assumptions.

This is a direct call to action: imagine how People with Disabilities can, rather than assuming we can’t. Instead of relying on media that misrepresents disability, learn from authentic sources—disabled writers, filmmakers, and creators. Ableism will not disappear on its own, but by actively seeking knowledge and challenging assumptions, we can remove barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities!

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by: Joshua A. Miele