Making Inclusion Happen: Me and My Friends in the Accessibility World

Rohan Bhupatiraju
The Accidental Ally
3 min readAug 18, 2023

Hi there, it’s so cool to talk to you about something that really matters to me and my friends — being part of the accessibility profession even though we have Down syndrome. You see, we have our own unique way of looking at the world, and we want to make it a better place for everyone. Let’s dive into why this is so important, the stuff we can do, and the awesome changes we’re making together!

Why We’re Important

Guess what? We’re not just people with Down syndrome; we’re problem solvers, idea makers, and creative thinkers too. Our experiences show us things that others might not see. When it comes to making things accessible, like websites, apps, or buildings, we’ve got insights that can make a big difference. We know the challenges, and we want to help make things easier for everyone.

Making Cool Ideas Happen

Imagine a world where everyone can use things without feeling left out — that’s what we want to create. When we’re part of the accessibility profession, we can make ideas come to life that are all about helping everyone. Buttons that are easy to press, websites that talk, and places that everyone can get into — those are some of the things we’re excited about making happen.

Talking from the Heart

You know, when we talk about accessibility, it’s not just about technology or buildings. It’s about how everyone can feel included. When we’re part of the conversation, we remind people that being inclusive is about understanding each other and making sure no one is left behind. Our stories matter, and we want to help others understand what it’s like to be us.

Cool Things We’re Doing

We’re not just sitting around — we’re doing awesome things too! We’re learning about new technology, trying out websites to see if they’re easy to use, and even helping to design things. Sometimes we work with really smart people who want to learn from us. It’s like teamwork where everyone brings their own special skills to the table.

Our Dreams and Changes

We dream of a world where accessibility isn’t just a word, but something real that everyone can enjoy. We want more people like us to join in and help make things better. We’re changing how people think about Down syndrome — we’re not just people who need help; we’re helpers, contributors, and friends who want to make the world awesome.

So, that’s us — a bunch of friends with Down syndrome who are making a splash in the accessibility profession. We’re here to show that inclusion isn’t just a dream; it’s something we’re turning into reality. Our ideas, stories, and hearts are all part of this amazing journey to make the world a place where everyone belongs. Thanks for listening and being a part of our adventure!

Disclaimer: Using ChatGPT to help me express my thoughts as someone with a disability has been invaluable. I want to credit ChatGPT for its assistance in shaping my article. I appreciate its role in helping me to communicate effectively. Special thanks to ChatGPT for helping me develop the ideas and content in this article.

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