The Systems Thinker

The Systems Thinker

Views access issues as a systemic mismatch. Brings structural insight and often advocates for broader change frequently at personal cost.

"If the system was built differently, none of this would be a 'me' problem'."

Disability Characteristics

Duration
Whether the disability is lifelong or momentary (e.g. chronic illness vs. situational).
Range: Temporary to Permanent
Current value: Permanent
Framing Model
Whether the experience is seen as shaped by systemic barriers or by individual diagnosis.
Range: Social Model to Medical Model
Current value: Social Model
Barrier Frequency
How often the person encounters digital or systemic barriers.
Range: Low Frequency to High Frequency
Current value: High Frequency
Support System Access
Access to assistive technology, services, caregivers, or community support.
Range: Low Support to High Support
Current value: High Support

Design Considerations

  • Engage users in systems design and governance decisions
  • Acknowledge harm caused by inaccessibility and design for repair
  • Center transparency in decision-making
  • Share access policies and decision-making clearly within your service, site or app