*Guest Blog- Breaking Barriers: The Power of Advocacy and Accessibility- Justina Plowden

“Breaking Barriers: The Power of Advocacy and Accessibility”

Introduction

Accessibility is more than a legal requirement—it’s a fundamental part of an inclusive society. Whether it’s ensuring equal access to education, employment, or healthcare, advocacy remains the driving force behind systemic improvements.

While we’ve made progress, many barriers still exist. From outdated infrastructure to digital accessibility gaps, people with disabilities often face unnecessary obstacles that hinder independence and participation. The good news? Advocacy works, and with sustained effort, meaningful change is possible.

This blog explores the intersection of advocacy and accessibility, highlighting the challenges, successes, and steps each of us can take to foster inclusion in every aspect of life.

Advocacy: The Engine of Progress

Advocacy is more than speaking out—it’s about action, persistence, and collaboration. Some of the most impactful areas of disability advocacy include:

- Policy & Legal Protections: Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act provide a foundation, but active advocacy ensures enforcement and expansion. Grassroots movements continue to push for legislative improvements, including better workplace accommodations and stronger protections against discrimination.

- Community & Social Inclusion: Accessible public spaces, inclusive education programs, and disability-friendly businesses create environments where everyone can participate fully. Advocacy fosters conversations that challenge outdated mindsets and push for inclusive design.

- Employment & Economic Opportunity: The fight for workplace inclusion is ongoing. Remote work policies, adaptive technologies, and equitable hiring practices empower disabled professionals to thrive. Advocates play a key role in promoting fair employment laws and challenging biases.

Accessibility: More Than a Buzzword

True accessibility is about removing barriers across physical, digital, and social spaces. Some often-overlooked areas include:

- Digital & Technological Access: Websites, apps, and online platforms must prioritize accessibility with features like screen readers, voice navigation, and alt text for images. Digital inclusion means ensuring that all people—regardless of ability—can access and use information seamlessly.

- Transportation & Mobility: Many cities still lack adequate accessible public transportation. Advocacy helps push for improvements such as wheelchair-friendly transit, curb cuts, and paratransit services that allow individuals to travel independently.

- Healthcare & Disability Services: Access to quality healthcare and assistive technology is vital. From ensuring insurance covers necessary equipment to advocating for medical professionals trained in disability-inclusive care, accessibility in healthcare remains a critical issue.

Practical Steps to Foster Inclusion

Accessibility doesn’t happen overnight—but it does start with everyday actions. Here’s how individuals, communities, and businesses can contribute:

1. Educate Yourself & Others – Read, share, and engage with disability advocacy materials. Knowledge leads to empowerment.

2. Amplify Disabled Voices – Listen to and share perspectives from disabled advocates, ensuring their stories shape discussions and policy decisions.

3. Demand Accessibility in Public Spaces– Whether it’s improving city infrastructure or encouraging businesses to adopt disability-friendly practices, speaking up matters.

4. Promote Adaptive Work Environments – Support businesses that implement flexible work arrangements, assistive tools, and inclusive hiring practices.

5. Leverage Technology for Inclusion – Encourage developers and companies to integrate accessibility into all technological advancements from the start.

Conclusion

Advocacy and accessibility are interconnected forces that shape a more inclusive world. From policy reform to personal activism, every effort contributes to breaking barriers and ensuring equitable opportunities for all.

Change happens when people unite behind a shared mission—let’s work together to make accessibility not just an option, but the standard.

-Justina Plowden

WeMatter Disability Organization

https://www.wematter.online

WeMatter Disability Organization is dedicated to amplifying disabled voices, fostering advocacy, and driving systemic change through mentorship, leadership development, and accessibility-focused initiatives. WeMatter works tirelessly to ensure that disabled individuals are empowered, represented, and equipped to lead the conversation on disability rights.

One of our flagship initiatives is Disability Awareness, bringing together advocates, policymakers, and community members to promote accessibility and legislative action. Through our mentorship programs, we nurture emerging leaders in the disability community, providing them with advocacy tools and confidence to make a lasting impact.

WeMatter actively collaborates with organizations across Louisiana and beyond, including the Louisiana Department of Health’s Bureau of Community Partnerships & Health Equity, Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, *Center for Louisiana Studies, and various national advocacy groups. These partnerships amplify our outreach, strengthen policy reform efforts, and build a foundation for inclusive spaces.

We also focus on fundraising and sponsorships, securing support for initiatives like Miss Wheelchair Louisiana, and crafting public awareness campaigns that shape conversations around inclusion, representation, and equity.

At WeMatter, advocacy isn’t just a mission—it’s a movement. By uniting communities, pushing for legislative change, and empowering future leaders, we ensure that every disabled person is seen, heard, and valued—not just in Louisiana, but across the United States.