What is the curb cutter effect

tatterdemalionamberite:

Here’s a post talking about it WRT interaction badges at cons:

“The Curb-Cutter Effect is when something to fit a specific need is found to create convenience in a broader area than intended.  Curb cuts allowing for wheelchair accessibility to sidewalks proved to also be convenient to anyone who may have trouble with steps or even simply a mother with a baby stroller or maybe a child with a wagon.  This is a desirable outcome with disability rights advocacy as creating convenience for non-disabled people often makes the assistive technology easier to advocate for.”

Or, in a series of examples: 

When moms with strollers use curb cuts, they also start demanding them and supporting them, and the sidewalks become easier to traverse for people in wheelchairs.

When neurotypical people use badges to indicate their interactional boundaries, curb-cutter effect makes it easier for neurodivergent people to do the same.

When a bunch of folks who can tolerate wheat decide they like gluten-free bread, it becomes easier for people with celiac disease to find it at the grocery store.

When asking people to tag their content becomes normalized, it means that people with severe triggers are less likely to encounter confusion or disdain when they ask. 

When able-bodied people understand spoon theory, it becomes easier for those of us who need it to talk about it. 

When people with mild mental health problems see a therapist, it makes it easier for that therapist to stay in practice and see their more vulnerable clients.

When people who aren’t direly affected by dysphoria access trans health care, the increased demand familiarizes more primary care doctors with an area of medicine they should all be able to practice, so that when people with severe dysphoria seek care, it’s less likely to require moving to another city or state.

TL;DR convenience users of any service or assistive technology are the shock troops of accessibility and I love them.