The Curb-Cut Effect: How Accessibility Innovation Benefits Everyone

Ashley Sims
3 days ago
3 min read

When sidewalk ramps—or curb cuts—were introduced across the U.S. in the 1970s and 80s to support wheelchair users, something unexpected happened: everyone started using them.

Parents pushing strollers, travelers dragging luggage, cyclists, delivery drivers—you name it. These small ramps, designed for disability inclusion, quickly became essential for the general public. That’s the Curb-Cut Effect in action: when solutions created for a specific need benefit far more people than originally intended.

At Disability Solutions, we see this every day in hiring, workplace design, and even everyday products.

Let’s explore some real-world examples where inclusive design became a game-changer—for everyone.

Illustration of a person in a wheelchair is on a path with a curb cut beside a blue accessibility sign. The background features city buildings and greenery.

1. Captions & Subtitles — From Access to Mainstream

Originally developed for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, closed captions are now used by:

People watching videos in noisy environments (gyms, airports, cafes)
Language learners
Multitaskers who prefer to read along
Social media users scrolling without sound

TikTok, YouTube, and Netflix have all embraced this, proving that accessibility features often become user-preferred defaults.

2. Electric Toothbrushes — Invented for Limited Dexterity

Electric toothbrushes were created to assist individuals with limited grip strength or motor control.

Today? They're in nearly every household. Dentists recommend them to everyone because they provide better plaque removal, require less effort, and are easier for kids and adults alike.

3. Speech-to-Text Technology — Born from Accessibility, Now Mainstream

Speech recognition tools like Dragon NaturallySpeaking were created to support users with physical disabilities.

Now, we all use voice assistants like:

Siri
Alexa
Google Assistant
Dictation tools in Microsoft Word or Gmail

What started as accessibility tech is now a convenience we rely on daily.

4. Remote Work Policies — Essential for Some, Preferred by Many

Remote work has long been a key accommodation for professionals with disabilities. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it suddenly became a universal necessity.

Companies that had already invested in flexible work policies saw smoother transitions.

Post-pandemic, many employees—disabled or not—have found that remote or hybrid options lead to better productivity, work-life balance, and mental health.

Curb-cut effect in real-time.

5. Universal Design in Office Spaces

Automatic doors were originally for wheelchair users.
Adjustable desks began as accommodations.
Quiet rooms for neurodiverse employees now help anyone who needs a mental reset.

When companies implement these features, they’re not just checking boxes—they’re building better workplaces for everyone.

6. Accessible Job Boards and Job Descriptions — Better for Everyone

Let’s talk about the job search itself.

Many people with disabilities encounter barriers long before the interview: poorly designed job boards and confusing job descriptions.

But inclusive improvements here have had a curb-cut effect too:

Accessible Job Boards: Platforms that support screen readers, have intuitive navigation, and allow filtering by accommodations (e.g., remote work, flexible hours) don’t just help blind or low-vision users—they improve the experience for everyone, including mobile users and older workers less familiar with tech.
Clear, Inclusive Job Descriptions:Simplifying job descriptions, removing unnecessary jargon, and avoiding biased language makes them more approachable. For example:
- Avoiding phrases like “rockstar” or “fast-paced” culture can prevent self-selection out by qualified candidates.
- Listing essential functions only helps people better assess fit—this benefits applicants from underrepresented groups, career changers, and early-career talent.

By designing job boards and descriptions with accessibility in mind, employers expand their talent pool, improve candidate experience, and reduce drop-off rates—a win-win for business and job seekers alike.

7. Flexible Interview Processes and Neurodiversity Hiring Programs

Companies like Microsoft, SAP, and EY have launched neurodiversity hiring initiatives that allow candidates to:

Skip traditional interviews
Use skills assessments instead
Interview in sensory-friendly environments

These adjustments, while designed for neurodiverse candidates, have improved hiring experiences across the board, especially for introverts, ESL speakers, and those with anxiety.

Why The Curb-Cut Effect Matters for Job Seekers and Employers

When we design systems with accessibility in mind, everyone wins.

Whether it’s a sidewalk ramp, a screen reader, or a flexible job description, designing with disability in mind creates better, more human-centered solutions for all.