03/25/2026
We get asked to do disability simulations fairly often, and always refuse. Disability simulations are where a non-disabled person uses a wheelchair, blindfold, ear coverings, or other device to pretend to be disabled for a day. The intent is to build empathy, but it does far more harm than good.
Instead we design field experiences and feedback sessions that bring people with a variety of disabilities together with decision makers. This is far more meaningful because:
- it centers disabled people and their lived experience
- it doesn't reduce the experience of disability to adaptive equipment
- it provides a fuller experience of not only the barriers, but the ways disabled people use and move through a space
- it builds leadership, connection, and value
- it gives opportunity for conversation and feedback
- it builds empathy based on actual experiences
Disability is a culture and a way of experiencing the world. You can never understand that by pretending to be disabled for a day.
Get in touch if your park of organization is interested in creating a Disabled-led experience together!
ID: text reads why we don't do disability simulations. Photo of a group of disabled folks on a paved trail. One person using a self-propelled wheelchair, two walking with a cane, one walking unassisted.
