04/11/2025
A great reminder that accessibility isn’t just ramps and rails — sometimes it starts with something as simple as having the right chair. Worth the read.
If you could change one thing about seating in community spaces, what would it be?
Accessible Seating: Every Chair Tells a Story
Next time you walk into a waiting room, clinic, school, or community space, take a moment to look at the chairs.
Are they all the same?
Many spaces have one style of chair, either all with arms or all without. It may seem fine at first glance, but not every body, age, or ability can use the same type of seating.
A chair that feels “standard” to one person can be too low for someone with hip or back pain, too narrow for a plus-size person, too deep for someone of smaller stature, or too soft for someone who needs stable support to stand. A parent with a baby might need a sturdy chair with arms. A senior or person using a mobility aid may need a taller seat to help them rise safely. A child might simply want to sit beside a sibling.
Accessibility isn’t only about ramps, elevators, or signage. It’s about choice. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can comfortably take a seat without having to ask, wait, or wonder if the chair will support them.
Imagine a space with a mix of options: a few wider chairs, some with arms and some without, a taller stool-style chair, and a sturdy spot for someone plus size or a parent and child. Add a mixture of chairs and space for wheelchair users so every person feels welcome and can sit comfortably. That’s inclusion in action.
Every chair tells a story about who is welcome and who was forgotten. What story do the chairs in your space tell?
Photo description
5 black chairs line a wall with a window. 1 taller chair, 2 with arms, 2 without arms, one of them larger and sturdy.
