Can Reality Capture Revolutionize Inclusion: Breaking Barriers and Expanding Access?

Inclusion is not just a concept; it is a fundamental human right. For individuals with disabilities, the journey towards true inclusion has been riddled with barriers that hinder access to spaces and opportunities. As someone who has seen these challenges firsthand, I am passionate about exploring innovative solutions that can break down these barriers and foster a more inclusive society. In this blog post, we delve into the transformative potential of reality capture technology, shedding light on its ability to revolutionize inclusion by overcoming physical barriers and expanding access for all.

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In the fall of 1993, my family eagerly dropped off my older sister at college for her freshman year, filled with hope and excitement. However, what should have been a thrilling and enriching experience quickly took a devastating turn. My sister was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis after experiencing a series of falls. In 1994, MS was still relatively unfamiliar, and the available treatments were far less effective than they are today. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, robbing her of mobility and leaving her unable to use her legs. As a result, I was one of the people who was physically lifting, shifting, and moving my sister through the built spaces of everyday life. This personal connection to disability deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and fueled my drive to seek solutions that can create a more inclusive world for everyone.

Physical barriers have long been a significant obstacle for individuals with disabilities. From inaccessible buildings to limited mobility options, these barriers hinder access to essential services, education, employment, and social participation. Reality capture technology offers a powerful tool for addressing these barriers. By capturing precise and detailed representations of physical spaces, reality capture enables thorough accessibility assessments and empowers proactive interventions. It allows for comprehensive analysis of entry points, pathways, and other critical aspects of built environments. It helps identify specific physical barriers that limit access and mobility, such as narrow doorways, inadequate ramps, or inaccessible restrooms.

Traditional ADA compliance inspections can be time-consuming and often fail to capture the full extent of accessibility challenges. Reality capture expedites the assessment process, capturing accurate data rapidly and facilitating prompt identification of barriers.

The power of reality capture lies not only in its technology but also in fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Architects, designers, construction professionals, and individuals with disabilities can work together to analyze captured data, identify necessary modifications, and design spaces that are truly inclusive.

Real-life success stories highlight the transformative impact of reality capture in improving accessibility. From retrofitting existing buildings to designing new spaces, reality capture enables targeted modifications that enhance access and promote inclusion. It serves as a powerful tool to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and advocate for accessibility. By visually demonstrating the impact of physical barriers, it helps ignite conversations and drive change at individual, organizational, and societal levels.

While reality capture primarily addresses physical barriers, its potential for inclusion extends beyond built environments. It can be utilized to capture and analyze digital experiences, ensuring accessibility in websites, apps, and virtual environments. Reality capture holds the promise of a future where individuals with disabilities can navigate the world with ease, dignity, and independence. By breaking down physical barriers and expanding access, it paves the way for a society that embraces and celebrates the diversity of all its members.
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The personal journey of witnessing my sister's battle with MS and the subsequent challenges she faced due to the loss of mobility has ignited a relentless drive to make impactful changes. Armed with a deep understanding of the obstacles faced by individuals with disabilities, I am now committed to using my position and capabilities to drive positive change and foster a more inclusive world.

By embracing innovative technologies like reality capture, we have the power to break down physical barriers, expand access, and promote inclusivity. Through collaboration, advocacy, and leveraging the transformative potential of reality capture, we can ensure that no one is left behind in our pursuit of a truly inclusive society.

Let us forge ahead, guided by the lessons learned from personal experiences, and create a future where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and participate fully in all aspects of life. Together, we can make a lasting impact and shape a world that celebrates diversity, embraces inclusion, and leaves no one behind.

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Please visit https://www.nationalmssociety.org and help out in any way you can or let this be an inspiration for you to follow your calling and help out with any organization that motivates you. 


​-mike