99% Invisible Curb Cuts (Repeat)
Apr 28, 2021
Delaney Hall, executive producer and guest host, welcomes Ed Roberts, a trailblazing figure in the disability rights movement known for his advocacy on behalf of accessibility. They discuss the crucial role of curb cuts, originally overlooked, which transformed urban mobility for wheelchair users. Ed shares his inspiring journey from a polio survivor to an activist, highlighting pivotal protests and the impact of designs benefiting everyone. The conversation also touches on the 'curb cut effect' and the evolution of universal design principles in improving community spaces.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Mysterious Wheelchair
- Curator Catherine Ott discovered an unusual wheelchair at the Smithsonian.
- It had go-kart wheels, a Porsche seat, and a note identifying it as Ed Roberts'.
Polio and Frog Breathing
- Ed Roberts contracted polio at 14, leaving him paralyzed below the neck.
- He learned frog breathing to spend time outside the iron lung.
Ed's Tenacity
- Despite his disability, Ed Roberts was determined to continue his education at Berkeley.
- He used a mouth wand to turn pages, which eventually affected his teeth.