During my summer research, I came across many photos of accessibility aids, both as personal objects and as elements of the built environment. I thought it would be helpful to gather some of them together into a collaborative album, which anyone can add additional photos to.

One activity that can come out of this source set is a discussion about why such aids are important. Hopefully students will see how accessibility tools promote independence, dignity, and community involvement for disabled people. You can also talk about how these tools, especially in the built environment, help a variety of people with different needs and body types. For instance, curb cuts not only help a person in a wheelchair, but also someone pushing a stroller or wheeling a suitcase. This concept is known as universal design and is discussed at greater length in the video that’s linked in the album.  

Once students have analyzed some of these photographs, they can look for objects and places of accessibility and inaccessibility in their daily lives. What aspects of their classroom, home, or neighborhood make the space functional for a wider range of users? What potential obstacles still exist? Students can also share their personal experiences with accessibility tools if they would like to. However, no one should be pressured to share, and it might be best to have a private discussion with individual students ahead of time.

*Note: Before using some of these sources, discuss respectful language and historical terms (like crippled or dumb) which are considered offensive today.

If students are really interested in this topic, you could direct them to the Smithsonian’s online exhibit “EveryBody: An Artifact History of Disability in America”. 

Let me know in the comments other ways you could envision using these sources in your classrooms. And please feel free to add any of your own discoveries to the album!