March 2 is International Wheelchair Day, a time to acknowledge the role that wheelchairs play in the lives of millions of people worldwide. For many of us, a wheelchair is not just a mobility aid—it’s an extension of our independence, a tool that enables us to navigate the world on our own terms. This day is not about celebrating the device itself, but about recognizing the freedom, autonomy, and opportunities that come with it.
It’s also a day to reflect on the world we move through. While progress has been made in accessibility, the reality is that barriers—both physical and attitudinal—still exist. The built environment is often designed with an able-bodied default in mind, requiring constant advocacy to ensure that inclusion is not an afterthought. The truth is, accessibility benefits everyone. A curb cut designed for a wheelchair user also helps a parent with a stroller, a traveler with luggage, and an elder with a walker. When we design for the margins, we improve life for the majority.
On this day, I choose to focus on the power of community. Wheelchair users, like all people, are diverse in our experiences, challenges, and triumphs. But we share a common understanding: that mobility—however we achieve it—is a fundamental part of human rights. Whether through technological advancements, policy change, or everyday acts of solidarity, we continue to push forward. And that, more than anything, is worth recognizing today.
