Accessibility Is Freedom

Lectures

Articles

  • Melbourne Trams Leave People with Disabilities Behind – But Bangkok Is Improving

    Melbourne Trams Leave People with Disabilities Behind – But Bangkok Is Improving

    Melbourne, Australia has 480 trams and over 1,600 stops — but only 18% are truly accessible for people with disabilities. The city with the world’s largest tram network, yet people with disabilities face tremendous difficulty. Terry was left behind on the tram — doors closed after her husband stepped off, leaving her wheelchair trapped onboard. Christian uses an electric scooter — a 45-minute journey takes 4 hours because he must wait for accessible services. He said, “We’re exhausted that the government won’t listen to people with disabilities.” Meanwhile in Bangkok, the BTS Skytrain has improved significantly. Older stations added elevators,…

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  • EU Bans EVs from Using Accessible Parking Spaces – But Thailand Is Doing That Every Day

    EU Bans EVs from Using Accessible Parking Spaces – But Thailand Is Doing That Every Day

    The European Union just issued a new rule prohibiting electric vehicles from parking in and charging at spaces designated for people with disabilities. This follows a finding that 75% of people with disabilities reported EV charging points are extremely difficult to access — whether because charging stations are mounted too high, sidewalks lack ramps, or charging cables are too heavy to handle. Just imagine… you need to wheel yourself to charge an EV, but the charging cable weighs 10 kg, or the station is mounted too high to reach. EU Directives 2024/2841 and 2024/2842, approved in October 2024 and coming…

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  • Imagine this…

    Imagine this…

    We wake up to breathe pure air, seeing clear blue skies stretching to the horizon. Children play outdoors without worry. Elders breathe comfortably — no haze, no dust hanging in the air. This Thailand is possible. Not just a dream, but a future we can build together — if we all help reduce burning, use private cars only when truly necessary, and plant and nurture trees. I invite everyone to create this blue-sky future with me. Starting today, starting with us. Clear skies are within reach!

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  • I Want to See Thai Buses Accessible to Everyone

    I Want to See Thai Buses Accessible to Everyone

    Seeing the news about a bus refusing a wheelchair user — I’m not surprised at all. One bus, one incident, but it reveals the whole system. The driver is at fault, but more importantly, so are policy and management. I want to see a day when everyone uses public transport equally. I want to see Thailand with public transport truly accessible to everyone. It’s not that hard. Other countries do it. We can too. Just needs real intention. Clear policy. I want to hear the words “Hey, we need to fix this urgently!” from new leadership. We can all help…

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