Mélange Accessibility for All Magazine April 2022 | Page 49

To Table of Contents and her husband give tours of their home virtually and in person , as well as writing articles and books , and have given presentations using her home as a case study . She also consults with builders , architects , developers , designers , and consumers in regards to the implementation of universal design and accessible design features in their projects or products .
Rossetti explains the importance of inclusivity , “ whenever decisions are made , people will be impacted by these decisions ,” and that by having diverse groups of people involved in the decision-making process , the end result is more positive and productive .
Rossetti ’ s passion for accessibility for all was heavily influenced by her experiences with her brother Richard , and her spinal cord injury . She explains that the biggest misperception about people who have a disability is that disabled individuals do not have much to offer professionally or personally . Often , they are seen as underperforming – but if they are given support , some assistance such as assistive technology or accommodations , they can perform as well or better than their non-disabled peers . She states ,
“ There are many myths about hiring people with disabilities that need to be dispelled … people with disabilities are dedicated , hardworking , and require a very minimal investment in most cases to modify their work environment to accommodate them .”
However , one way we can change this misperception is through the media and accurate representation .
Casting people with disabilities as lead characters in film and television , as well as docuseries showcasing the accomplishments of many people with disabilities , will all serve to increase accurate and positive representation . Rossetti concludes , “ I am passionate about the work that I do . My goal is to make a significant positive difference in the lives of others .”