Care, Access, and the Daily Grind of Getting What You Need: A conversation with Luke Anderson

Accessibility is often talked about in technical terms: ramps, grab bars, regulations, but what does it really mean to live in a world with barriers every day? Emma Brown, founder of Whimble, and Luke Anderson, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Stopgap Foundation, came together in a recent webinar to shed light on the lived experience of folks with disabilities and how seemingly minor changes can make a big difference.

Here’s a recap of their candid conversation, which invites us all to rethink accessibility not just as a checkbox, but as a way to build inclusive and welcoming spaces and communities.

What Does a Barrier-Free World Look Like?

Luke challenged a common misconception: when people think of barrier-free amenities, their minds often jump to cold, uninviting things like stainless steel grab bars or awkward ramps. But accessibility isn’t just about hardware, it’s about changing how we see and design our spaces to bring vibrancy and life back to places too often stuck in gray. The bright, eye-catching ramps built by StopGap Foundation are a perfect example. They don’t just provide access, but they start conversations. The barriers are not just physical but mental; how we imagine accessibility can either include or exclude people before they even arrive.

The Daily Reality: Barriers Everywhere

From something as simple as a single step at a store entrance to unclear signage or the lack of an accessible washroom, everyday obstacles create real and constant exclusions. Luke shared a moment that stuck with many: he had been assured a concert venue was accessible, only to arrive and be told their version of accessibility was lifting him up 15 stairs. This wasn’t a one-off misunderstanding, but a clear sign of how far we still have to go in understanding true access. Emma echoed the experience, pointing out that even when places try, accessibility is often routed through back doors, alleys, or freight entrances—solutions that might technically work but leave dignity behind. These aren’t just small oversights. What might seem like a minor workaround to some can be a complete stop, or worse, a dehumanizing moment, for someone else. It's these stories that remind us why change isn’t just needed, it’s urgent.

Starting the Conversation: Patience and Empathy Matter

One practical question was how to approach local businesses about making their spaces more accessible. Luke’s advice? Start with patience and empathy.

 As he explained, some business owners may simply be unaware of the barriers they’ve unintentionally created, or they may be at the very beginning of their learning journey. That’s why he encourages people to lead with personal stories, sharing what it’s like to face barriers, and why being able to enter a space with ease matters not just for one person, but for many.

Luke highlighted how impactful it can be to point people toward tangible solutions, such as Stopgap’s custom ramps, which are built to fit unique storefronts. Sometimes it takes multiple conversations—or even seeing a neighbouring business benefit from having a ramp—for change to take effect.

And for those organizing events, the conversation is just as relevant. As Emma shared, accessibility is often treated like an afterthought. That’s exactly why Whimble exists. Event organizers can bring Whimble on board to support accessibility on-site, making sure it’s not just technically possible for everyone to attend, but also welcoming, dignified, and thoughtfully done from the start.

It Starts with Attitudes

One of the most powerful takeaways from the webinar was Luke’s honest reflection on internalized bias. Despite being a passionate advocate for accessibility, he shared that even he carries a voice in the back of his mind—one shaped by years of societal messaging—that suggests disabled people are somehow “lesser.” It’s not something he believes, but something he’s had to consciously confront and unlearn.

This isn’t unique to Luke. Many of us, often unknowingly, carry assumptions formed in environments where disability was rarely visible or openly talked about. These subtle biases shape how we design our spaces, organize our events, and define what is considered “normal.”

Luke emphasized that changing attitudes is foundational. When we begin to see disabled people as equal contributors to our communities—not as exceptions or afterthoughts—everything else can follow. Design choices shift. Priorities shift. And accessibility becomes not a bonus, but a baseline.

Why It Matters: Connection and Community

True accessibility isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about how people feel when they move through the world. As Luke said, the most powerful way to create change is through listening. Not just hearing stories of inaccessible venues or awkward “workarounds,” but really sitting with them and asking: how did that feel?

He reminded us that simple acts, like asking someone how they experience a space or inviting their perspective, can be healing, not just for them, but for us too. It’s how we start building spaces with care rather than compliance.

And this is the heart of the work—removing barriers isn't only about ramps or signage. It’s about trust, dignity, and a sense of belonging. It’s about creating a world where no one is left outside, waiting for someone else to make room for them.

As Emma put it: “That shouldn’t even be a conversation anymore.” And with more people joining in, learning, and leading by example, it won’t be

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing this conversation made clear, it’s that accessibility starts with awareness. The small things we overlook—like a step at a storefront or an unclear entrance—can become major roadblocks for someone else. But when we shift our perspective and actively listen, we can begin designing spaces and experiences that welcome everyone from the outset.

If you're looking to deepen your understanding or take action, Whimble hosts free monthly webinars on a range of important topics. Got a topic you’d like us to cover? Let us know, we’d love to hear it.

You can also connect with Luke Anderson on LinkedIn or explore the impactful work of the StopGap Foundation to see how you can help remove barriers in your own community.

And if you're looking for direct support, sign up for Whimble to access flexible, community-rooted care that helps remove barriers not just in conversation, but in daily life.