What a Playground Taught Me About Knitting (and Ableism)

The before and after images of the playground in my community.

Recently, a conversation in my community unfolded that perfectly illustrated how society views adaptation. A wooden play structure was replaced with a more open, accessible design. While I saw it as a win - more kids, more inclusion - some members of my community pushed back. “Life isn’t centered around people with disabilities,” they said. “We can’t carpet the world for everyone.”

But here’s the thing: accessibility doesn’t take anything away - it opens doors.  Sometimes literally… did you know that automatic doors are now standard in many public buildings? Originally designed to assist individuals with mobility or strength limitations, they make it easier for everyone to enter stores, offices, and hospitals, especially when hands are full or when quick access is needed.

The same is true in knitting. People often see modifications as unnecessary or burdensome. But when you let go of rigid expectations and embrace solutions that work for different bodies and brains, you create a craft that’s more welcoming for everyone.

What’s one modification you’ve made in your knitting that has helped you? Leave me a comment, I’d love to hear about it!