This library is an attempt to assemble a vast array of interdisciplinary materials — from the most poetic to the most technical — to accurately reflect the complexity and nuances of the interaction between disabled body-minds and space-time. This is not a curated list, but a compilation spanning a broad spectrum of perspectives and adjacent fields. An item’s inclusion in this collection is not indicative of endorsement or validity.

This library is a one-stop-shop resource warehouse, including items not citable in a traditional sense. The purpose of this portion of the catalog is to be a "watch list" and directory. These entities have been identified as notable or prolific influences in the field and have been entered discretely from the actual content they have produced.

This library is currently a work in progress, and it always will be. I intend for this to be a living, breathing, and growing archive for perpetual use.

Opening the metaphorical (and literal) doors to provide universal access in the built environment is not as simple as adding new inclusive elements. Oftentimes, the access needs of user groups are not only unique, but they can also create additional barriers for other disabled user groups. The needs of the various populations must be negotiated in an informed and creative way to ensure that inclusive design actually addresses everyone. This essay examines two categories of architectural elements with regard to access needs that are simultaneously provided and denied by specific design decisions.

The vast majority of the physical and social world has been constructed by neurotypical people, for neurotypical people. Historically, this non-autistic population has paid little attention to the spatial, sensory, and communicative needs of autistic people. This status quo space is “Neurotypical Space”, where autistic sensitivities are understood to be personal medical problems, rather than consequences of systemic barriers addressable through cultural and environmental change. In contrast, “Autistic Space” is created and controlled by autistic people, for autistic people. These are places where autistic sensitivities are respected, autistic ways of functioning are valued, and autistic methods of processing are celebrated. This essay examines the aspects and implications of spatial autistic autonomy.

In this video podcast episode of The Spiral Lab, I had the opportunity to chat with Marta Rose of Divergent Design Studios about misguided design recommendations for autistic-accommodating spaces. We discuss the impulse of neurotypical designers to create bland and colorless minimalist spaces in an attempt to decrease sensory overwhelm for autistic people — and why this is the wrong answer to the wrong question. When spaces are stripped of their visual sensory information they are no longer able to quickly and effectively communicate with their inhabitants. Color and décor are critical to creating legible spaces that are easy to orient oneself within.

The purpose of this Discord server that I established is to provide a space where architects, designers, construction professionals, disability scholars, disabled people, and people with disabilities can discuss topics related to disability in the built environment. Above all, this space centers the voices of disabled people and people with disabilities. This virtual forum is in it's infancy, and I intend for it to continue growing as a mutually-supportive community of people making connections and exchanging resources, ideas, and personal experiences. New members of all backgrounds are welcome anytime — please reach out to me to receive an invite link.