By Mel Decker, CEO of Forward Ability Support and BrightSky Australia
When I think about accessibility, I don’t just think about ramps or lifts or assistive tech—although they matter greatly. I think about moments. Moments that are made possible—or impossible—because of whether a person can access a space, a service, or even a simple joy.
Recently, I read an article by Joel Sardi, where he shared the story of enjoying a day at the beach after his spinal cord injury. It moved me deeply. What many of us take for granted—feeling the sun, sea breeze, or just wiggling our toes in the sand—can suddenly become out of reach after injury. It’s something Joel had done countless times before, but after his injury, that same beach became a reminder of the barriers people with disability face every day.
His story stayed with me, not only because of the challenge and his mindset, but because of the solution. With the right equipment, support, and some thoughtful planning, that day on the beach became possible again. And in doing so, it became more than just a beach day—it became a moment of freedom, dignity, and reconnection.
I was reminded of that again at the 2025 Adaptive Pro Surf Championship last month. Watching incredible athletes take to the waves with such power and presence was eye-opening. These were not people simply coping—they were thriving, pushing boundaries, and showing the world what’s possible when accessibility meets opportunity. It struck me that accessibility is no longer just about making daily chores manageable. It’s about creating the space for people to pursue excellence. To live fully.
During my time leading Forward Ability Support and BrightSky Australia, I’ve been lucky to witness how even small changes—an easier-to-navigate website, the right continence product, or a hoist installed in the right place—can profoundly improve someone’s quality of life. These little things aren’t just ‘helpful’. They’re the difference between dependence and autonomy, between surviving and thriving.
I remember one client telling us, “The right support doesn’t just help me get through the day. It helps me own it.” That’s stayed with me.
These experiences deepen my commitment to a more inclusive world and the work we do here at Forward and BrightSky. A world where people with disability aren’t simply accommodated; they are empowered. And where accessibility isn’t an afterthought, but a shared priority.
This Global Accessibility Awareness Day, I invite us all to look again at the spaces around us—physical, digital, social—and ask, Who’s missing? And what might it take to welcome them in?
Because often, the little things are not so little at all.
Everyone deserves the right to Live Well
Mel
CEO,Forward Ability Support & BrightSky Australia
