One minute, I was lying flat, and the next, I was floating. The sensation is unlike anything I’ve ever felt. It’s not just about freedom from gravity—it’s about freedom from the physical restrictions we encounter on earth. Suddenly, I wasn’t navigating a world built for the non-disabled; I was navigating a new world where my disability didn’t feel like a disadvantage. I could move freely, experience things in a way that was unique to me, and contribute insights that could shape future missions for other Disabled people.
Along with other Disabled participants, we were able to document and share our feedback with the AstroAccess team. This includes everything from designing adaptable spacecraft interiors to creating safety protocols for astronauts with various disabilities. This is about more than just making a few accommodations. It is about fundamentally redesigning how we think about space travel.
You might ask yourself, “Why does making space accessible matter when there are so many issues here on Earth?” The answer is simple, as AstroAccess purports: “If we can make space accessible, surely we can make any space accessible.”
Space is often viewed as the ultimate challenge. It’s harsh, unpredictable, and unforgiving. If we can develop technologies and protocols that allow Disabled people to thrive in that environment, then we should be able to bring those innovations back to Earth.
Moreover, by making space accessible, we’re sending a powerful message: Disabled people belong in every aspect of human exploration, innovation, and progress. This project challenges outdated notions of what we can and cannot do and dismantles the barriers that have kept us sidelined in so many areas for so long. It shows the world that disability is not a limitation; it’s an inevitable part of day-to-day life, and failure to accommodate Disabled people will only put the entire human race at a disadvantage.
AstroAccess centers on the voices and experiences of Disabled people. From the outset, they’ve involved disabled scientists, engineers, and astronauts in their mission to ensure that accessibility isn’t an afterthought; it’s a cornerstone. Companies like SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, and Blue Origin are also looking at ways to make space travel more inclusive.
The innovations being developed for space—new assistive technologies or adaptable designs—can be used to improve accessibility in everyday life. The ripple effect of making space accessible could transform the world for Disabled people in ways we can’t yet imagine.
So, as we look to the stars, let’s also look around us. The work happening for a future in space should pave the way for a more inclusive, accessible world here on Earth. If we can dream of a future where Disabled people explore the stars, we can certainly build a present where Disabled people have equal access to every aspect of life.
