chronicallyjenni 7 Everyday Hacks You Wouldn’t Have Without Disabled People!
You know the little ramp at the end of a pavement? That’s called a curb cut; made for wheelchair users. But now used by parents with buggies, cyclists, people with suitcases and more.
That’s the curb cut effect: when access for disabled people ends up helping everyone.
1. Electric Toothbrush
Originally designed for people with limited grip or coordination, now everyone uses them.
2. Ramps
Built for wheelchair access, but perfect for buggies, bikes and suitcases too.
3. Text-to-Speech & Voice Assistants
Created for blind people and those who struggle with mobility, now it’s how half of us set timers.
4. Velcro
This stuff was used in disability care settings long before it hit trainers and schoolbags.
5. Audiobooks
Originally made for blind readers, now a go-to for multitasking or rest. It's one of my favourite pastimes!
6. Touchless & Automatic Doors
Again made for accessibility but now essential in supermarkets, airports and hospitals.
7. Subtitles & Captions
Originally for Deaf and hard of hearing people, now everyone uses them, on the train, at night, or just to focus better.
Disability drives innovation. Accessibility helps everyone. So next time you use one of these, remember where it came from. Be sure to share this so more people realise the impact disability has on their lives.
Video Description: Jenni, a white disabled woman with auburn hair and using a manual wheelchair, shows 7 everyday hacks we wouldn’t have without disabled people, including the electric toothbrush, kerb ramps, voice assistants, Velcro, audiobooks, automatic doors and captions. These are all examples of the curb cut effect: access tools designed by or for disabled people that now benefit everyone.
