Social Accessibility, Disability, and Designing a World That Works

Language warning: This episode contains a swear word. Episode DescriptionIn this episode of Accessibility in Practice, host Adam Fishbein sits down with Peter Slatin, a longtime advocate, writer, and trainer in the disability and accessibility space. Drawing on his lived experience as a blind person and his background in journalism, architecture, and hospitality training, Peter offers a wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful conversation about what accessibility really means, and why social and cultural barriers are often the biggest obstacles of all.From the difference between physical, digital, and social accessibility to the challenges of disclosure in the workplace, Peter challenges listeners to rethink common assumptions and move beyond compliance toward genuine understanding and respect.What You Will Find in This EpisodePeter Slatin’s personal journey into disability and accessibility workWhy social accessibility is often the most overlooked—and most important—form of accessThe difference between being “included” and already belongingHow physical and digital accessibility are connected to cultural attitudesCommon misconceptions about disability and how they show up in everyday interactionsWhy “helping” without asking can be harmfulDisability as the most intersectional dimension of diversityPractical steps organizations can take to create more accessible workplacesThe tension between civility, advocacy, and picking your battlesHow allies can find their strengths and contribute meaningfully to disability rightsAccessibility technology Peter is excited about—and why “nothing about us without us” still mattersExamples of organizations making real progress in accessibility, especially in hospitalityKey TakeawaysAccessibility is not one-size-fits-all—and it never has beenDesigning for accessibility from the start is far easier than retrofitting laterCultural attitudes toward disability shape every other accessibility outcomePeople with disabilities do not need permission to be “included”—they already belongThe most effective advocacy starts with listening, humility, and lived experienceAbout the GuestPeter Slatin is a blind accessibility advocate, writer, and trainer with decades of experience across journalism, architecture, and hospitality. He works with organizations to improve customer service, workplace inclusion, and cultural understanding of disability, with a particular focus on social accessibility. He is based in New York.About the HostAdam Fishbein, MPA is a disability policy and advocacy professional committed to advancing inclusive systems and practices. He is based in Maryland.Call to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the Accessible Community podcast. Share this episode with colleagues, friends, and anyone interested in building a more accessible world.