How do we design a world that includes everyone?

What happens when we stop designing for an imaginary “average” person?Bandile Mndebele speaks with disability rights advocate and inclusive innovation researcher Bongani Mapumulo about accessibility, disability inclusion, identity, education, assistive technology and lived experience.The conversation explores how public spaces, institutions and technologies can exclude people—and why understanding people’s real lives must come before designing solutions for them.Inclusive design begins with listening.Guest: Bongani MapumuloTopics: accessibility, disability inclusion, inclusive design, assistive technology, education, innovation, identity, universal design and technology.The Add IDEAS Podcast is an OTHERWISE production. (00:00) - Introduction (00:20) - Personal Story (01:47) - Challenges and Activism in Student Life (05:17) - Institutional Preparedness and Accessibility (07:06) - Assistive Technology and Support (12:25) - Reasonable Accommodation and Equity (22:36) - Intersectionality and Lived Experiences (27:48) - Personal Story and Impact (28:50) - Navigating Identity and Spaces (30:25) - Challenges and Opportunities in Education (38:54) - Representation and Inclusion (41:24) - Influence of Supportive Figures (42:33) - The Importance of Early Belief (43:49) - Grassroots Representation (44:00) - Unheard Voices and Broader Solutions (45:55) - Final Thoughts