Let’s be honest: accessibility progress moves slower than it should. Not because of lack of technology or resources, but because of persistent myths that hold businesses, municipalities, and society back.

It’s time to challenge these misconceptions head-on.

MYTH #1: “Accessibility is Only for Wheelchair Users” ♿

THE REALITY: This is perhaps the most damaging myth of all. When people think “accessibility,” they often picture ramps and wide doorways. While these are important, they represent just a fraction of what accessibility means.

True accessibility addresses:

• Visual impairments (braille, audio descriptions, high contrast, screen readers)
• Hearing impairments (visual alerts, sign language, subtitles, induction loops)
• Cognitive differences (clear signage, simplified information, quiet spaces)
• Mobility challenges (not just wheelchairs—crutches, walkers, fatigue, pain)
• Temporary disabilities (broken bones, post-surgery recovery, pregnancy)
• Age-related changes (reduced vision, hearing, mobility, cognitive processing)

When you design only for wheelchair users, you’re ignoring 85% of people with disabilities. That’s not accessibility—that’s a checkbox exercise.

MYTH #2: “Making Spaces Accessible is Prohibitively Expensive” ????

THE REALITY: This myth persists because people assume accessibility means complete renovations. In reality, many accessibility improvements are surprisingly affordable—and some are completely free.

Low-Cost/Free Improvements:

• Staff training on disability awareness (often the most impactful change)
• Clear signage with good contrast and simple language
• Rearranging furniture to create wider pathways
• Providing alternative communication methods (email, text, visual aids)
• Adjusting lighting to reduce glare
• Creating quiet hours or sensory-friendly times
• Digital accessibility (proper website coding, alt text, captions)

Medium-Cost Improvements:

• Portable ramps (€200-500)
• Hearing loop systems (€300-1000)
• Accessible bathroom fixtures (€500-2000)
• Braille signage (€50-150 per sign)

Higher-Cost Improvements: Yes, some changes like elevators or complete bathroom renovations are expensive. But:

• They’re often required only in new builds or major renovations
• They increase property value and customer base
• Grants and tax incentives often offset costs
• The ROI through increased customers justifies the investment

The real question isn’t “Can we afford accessibility?” It’s “Can we afford to exclude 15-40% of potential customers?”

MYTH #3: “We Don’t Have Customers with Disabilities” ????

THE REALITY: Yes, you do. You just don’t know it.

Many disabilities are invisible. Chronic pain, hearing loss, cognitive differences, mental health conditions, autoimmune diseases, heart conditions—none of these are obvious to observers.

Studies show that 70% of disabilities are invisible. That means the vast majority of your customers with disabilities look no different from anyone else.

But here’s the real issue: You don’t have customers with disabilities because your space isn’t accessible.

It’s circular logic. People with disabilities avoid inaccessible spaces, so businesses don’t see them, so they assume there’s no demand, so they don’t improve accessibility, so people continue to avoid them.

Break the cycle. Make your space accessible, and watch your customer base grow.

MYTH #4: “Accessibility Compliance Means We’re Accessible” ????

THE REALITY: Legal compliance is the bare minimum—and it’s often not enough for genuine accessibility.

Regulations typically focus on:

• Minimum doorway widths
• Presence of accessible toilets
• Basic signage requirements
• Parking space ratios

But they rarely address:

• Staff attitudes and training
• Quality of the accessible experience (is the accessible entrance around the back by the bins?)
• Sensory considerations
• Cognitive accessibility
• Emergency evacuation procedures for all guests
• Maintenance of accessible features

You can be legally compliant and still provide a terrible experience for people with disabilities. True accessibility goes beyond ticking boxes—it’s about creating genuinely welcoming, dignified experiences.

That’s why independent certification like We4Able matters. We assess real-world usability, not just regulatory compliance.

MYTH #5: “Accessibility is a Niche Market” ????

THE REALITY: Let’s look at the numbers:

• 1 billion people globally have a disability (15% of population)
• 135 million people in Europe have some form of disability
• Accessible tourism market in Europe: €80+ billion annually
• Average accessible tourism group size: 3-4 people (disabled person + family/friends)
• Elderly population (65+) in Europe: 20% and growing (most have accessibility needs)
• Families with young children benefit from accessibility features
• People with temporary disabilities (injuries, post-surgery) need accessibility

When you add these groups together, you’re looking at 30-40% of the population who benefit from accessible design.

That’s not a niche. That’s a massive market segment.

And here’s the kicker: People with disabilities and their families are loyal customers. When they find accessible spaces, they return, they recommend, and they spend more time and money.

Why These Myths Persist

These myths continue because:

• Lack of education and awareness
• Fear of the unknown and complexity
• Assumption that accessibility is someone else’s responsibility
• Limited contact with people with disabilities
• Media representation that focuses only on visible disabilities
• Short-term thinking that ignores long-term benefits

Breaking Free from Myths

Progress requires:

✅ Education – Learn about the full spectrum of disabilities and accessibility needs ✅ Consultation – Talk to people with disabilities and disability organisations ✅ Action – Start with small, achievable improvements ✅ Commitment – Make accessibility an ongoing priority, not a one-time project ✅ Certification – Seek independent assessment to ensure genuine accessibility ✅ Culture Change – Build inclusion into your organisation’s values and practices

The We4Able Approach

At We4Able, we don’t just certify—we educate. Our assessment process:

• Challenges these myths with evidence and real-world examples
• Provides practical, prioritised recommendations
• Connects you with disability communities for authentic feedback
• Offers ongoing support and resources
• Celebrates progress while pushing for continuous improvement

We believe that accessibility isn’t about perfection—it’s about genuine commitment to inclusion.

The Bottom Line

These myths aren’t just wrong—they’re harmful. They delay progress, exclude people, and cost businesses opportunities.

It’s time to replace myths with facts. Fear with understanding. Excuses with action.

Because accessibility isn’t complicated, expensive, or niche. It’s essential, achievable, and profitable.

???? Which myth have you heard most often? Let’s start a conversation about breaking down these barriers to progress.