Why Accessibility?

  In the United States alone, 48.9 million people have at least one form of disability. From physical impairments to mental ones, these challenges pose limitations on their lives and the world’s accessibility. To put that number into perspective, take a look around you next time you’re in a public space. Count the number of people you see, and then compare it to the statistic that one out of every five Americans has a disability. How many people in the room would that equal? The truth is you don’t have to look far to find someone who struggles with the daily challenge disabilities present. Twenty percent of our fellow Americans need some form of assistance to help them live their lives to the fullest. Will you extend your hand to help them?

Painting a Clear Picture of Disabilities in America

When we dig deeper into the data, we see the gap between disabilities and everyday life is not a black and white scenario that is easily resolved. Every challenge is different; every need is different. Of the millions who fall into the category of disabled:

• 1 million live with severe disabilities
• 2 million have a functional limitation
• 5 million are youth

Young and old are striving to grow and learn not just how to live with their disability, but how the world treats them by having one. At Dreamscape, we have made it our purpose to do all we can to ensure that these at-risk groups have the support they need.

Dreamscape Foundation’s Focus on Visual Impairments

While Dreamscape Foundation believes in making today’s world more accessible for people with all types of disabilities, you’ll find we place a keen focus on visual impairments. It’s an issue that sits at the root of our mission because it’s part of our story. More specifically, its part of Dreamscape Foundation Founder Joe Sehwani’s story. The prevalence of visual disabilities, including those who are blind or living with low vision, is astounding. Across the world, 285 million people live with some type of visual impairment, with 39 million living with blindness and 246 million with low vision. In the United States, those with a visual disability account for about 2.2% of the total population. Our founder is one of them. Born from his struggle was the heart of Dreamscape Foundation’s mission: to make the world more accessible to those with limitations.

How We Tackle Today’s Accessibility Gap

The reality is this:   Without improving the world’s accessibility, we do a disservice to the disabled. The quality of life for those living with these struggles is reduced as we limit them from living up to their full potential. This is illustrated clearly when we look at the meager number of working-age people with disabilities in the United States who are employed. Currently, it sits at 35 percent, but Dreamscape believes with better accessibility that number can be much higher. Part of our mission is bridging the accessibility gap. We do this by promoting the creation and implementation of new adaptations and technology that makes everyday tools and activities accessible to all. Yet our work doesn’t end there. Across the world, it’s estimated that 15 percent of all people – that’s 1 billion human beings – have some sort of disability. By bringing people together through a commitment to invest in accessibility, we gain the ability to make the world a more welcoming place for those who need it most. At Dreamscape, we’re committed to addressing these issues and advocating for the changes needed to help those living with disabilities. With the legal impetus of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a large community committed to taking action, and the drive to improve accessibility across the globe, we know we can achieve our goal. Use the buttons below to learn more about our specific mission and goals: About Us Our Work