Key takeaways
What property managers should know about accessibility
- Accessibility is for everyone. It helps older adults, parents with strollers, and anyone who wants to live, work, and shop comfortably, not just people who use wheelchairs.
- Start with low-cost changes. Better lighting, wayfinding, and signage are easy places to begin, and the business case grows as more people can use your space.
- Watch the small things. Hand sanitizer stands or planters placed in front of automatic door buttons can block access without anyone noticing.
- Think about the whole journey. Accessibility starts at the curb and the transit stop, not just at your front door.
- Do not do it alone. Bring in trained accessibility professionals and connect with local accessibility advisory committees. As the saying goes, nothing about us without us.
About the guest
NM
Nabeel Ramji and Marco Pasqua
Accessibility advocates, Pedesting and Meaningful Access Consulting
Nabeel Ramji is co-founder of Pedesting, an app that maps accessible routes inside buildings, and spent about nine years in commercial property management. He was named one of Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40. Marco Pasqua is co-founder of Meaningful Access Consulting, an accessibility consultant, author, and professional speaker who works with the Rick Hansen Foundation.
Episode summary
In this episode
This episode brings together two accessibility leaders: Nabeel Ramji, who spent about nine years in property management before co-founding the navigation app Pedesting, and Marco Pasqua, a consultant and speaker whose mentor, Rick Hansen, encouraged him to focus on accessibility.
They explain why accessibility matters to property managers, the stigma and cost concerns that hold organizations back, and the simple changes that make a big difference. Nabeel describes how Pedesting shows ramps, accessible washrooms, and routes inside buildings, while Marco explains how to find qualified accessibility professionals.
The two also discuss the partnerships driving change across the industry, the principles of universal design, the most rewarding moments of their careers, and resources every property manager should read.
Chapters
- 0:00Highlights
- 2:06Meet Marco and Nabeel
- 4:54How Marco came to accessibility advocacy
- 6:51Accessibility is for everyone
- 7:39From property management to Pedesting
- 11:53Where Pedesting is available
- 13:22Common barriers to accessibility
- 17:04Small fixes that make a difference
- 17:45Finding accessibility professionals
- 19:10Partnerships that drive change
- 22:40Who is Rick Hansen?
- 24:27One change they would make
- 26:40Universal design done well
- 28:07Most rewarding moments
- 32:52Buildings they would make accessible
- 36:49Recommended reading
Jump to a chapter (16)
- 0:00Highlights
- 2:06Meet Marco and Nabeel
- 4:54How Marco came to accessibility advocacy
- 6:51Accessibility is for everyone
- 7:39From property management to Pedesting
- 11:53Where Pedesting is available
- 13:22Common barriers to accessibility
- 17:04Small fixes that make a difference
- 17:45Finding accessibility professionals
- 19:10Partnerships that drive change
- 22:40Who is Rick Hansen?
- 24:27One change they would make
- 26:40Universal design done well
- 28:07Most rewarding moments
- 32:52Buildings they would make accessible
- 36:49Recommended reading
From the conversation
Transcript excerpts
My big call though to anyone listening today is don’t think you have to do it alone… find the subject matter experts, find the disability service organizations…
Marco PasquaPlay from 1:18
There’s a huge saying in the disability community, nothing about us without us.
Marco PasquaPlay from 1:34
Accessibility is so much more than just people with disabilities that it actually impacts everyone.
Marco PasquaPlay from 6:11
Want your building to welcome everyone?
We’ll walk your building with you and send a written cleaning scope and price. Free, no obligation.
Read the conversation
Full episode transcript
Show transcript
Paste the edited transcript here.
FAQ
Questions about this episode
What low-cost accessibility improvements can property managers make?
Start with lighting, wayfinding, and signage. Also make sure temporary items like hand sanitizer stands or planters never block automatic door buttons, and check that curb cuts and approaches to the building are clear.
What is Pedesting?
A navigation app co-founded by Nabeel Ramji that shows people the most accessible routes inside buildings, including ramps and accessible and universal washrooms. It launched in Calgary office buildings and a convention centre and plans to expand to other cities.
How can property managers find accessibility help?
Look for trained professionals through the Rick Hansen Foundation’s directory, check that their approach fits your goals, and connect with your municipality’s accessibility advisory committee.
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