Why Building For All of Our Next Generation is so Important

As a wheelchair user and someone that often visits construction sites, I know first-hand how inaccessible infrastructure can be — not just for disabled people like me, but for anyone who relies on it to live, work, and thrive.

Inclusive design isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a commitment to ensuring independence and dignity for all. It’s about breaking down barriers, changing attitudes, and creating systems that work for everyone.

That’s why I started Construct Ability, a charity focused on reshaping how we think about accessibility in the infrastructure sector. My mission is to make accessibility the default—not the exception.

The Reality of Inaccessibility

Let me paint a picture. For a wheelchair user in London, a simple commute can take five times longer than it does for a non-disabled person. Imagine what that means for everyday life. The lack of accessible transport options doesn’t just inconvenience—it excludes.

This exclusion has a real impact. One in five disabled individuals in the UK is unable to travel at all, and this lack of access limits opportunities for education, employment, and social interaction. It’s no surprise that only 53% of disabled people in the UK are employed, compared to 82% of non-disabled people.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Closing the accessibility gap in transport alone could unlock economic benefits of over £70 billion per year—by improving well-being and enabling more people to contribute their talents to society.

Why Representation Matters

I often hear that infrastructure projects need employees who are adaptable, skilled, and ready to deliver. But how often are disabled professionals included in that conversation?

Our lived experiences give us unique perspectives on design and decision-making. When I’m involved in a project, I’m not just thinking about compliance or ticking boxes—I’m thinking about how to create systems that genuinely improve lives. That’s the kind of insight that can make infrastructure not just functional, but transformative.

Building a Better Future

With Construct Ability, we're working to change attitudes and provide tools to ensure accessibility is part of every conversation about infrastructure. Our vision is a society where barriers are replaced with opportunities, and where infrastructure is a facilitator of equality, not an obstacle.

We’re not just talking about ramps and lifts; we’re talking about creating a culture that values accessibility at every level. We’re talking about ensuring that no one is left behind.

Join the Conversation

If we want to build a future that works for everyone, we all have a role to play. Listen to my conversation on the podcast to learn more about what needs to change, and how we can work together to create inclusive infrastructure for all.

🎧 Listen here : Making Infrastructure Accessible with Meg Ginsberg

Together, we can make accessibility the foundation of everything we build. Because when we design for everyone, we all thrive.

Meg x