Danny Steeves, a 31-year-old Neustadt resident is turning a lifetime of navigating inaccessible spaces into a mission to make Ontario communities more inclusive.
Living in a wheelchair since birth, the former Listowel resident has become a passionate advocate for accessibility – a cause he says goes far beyond ramps and doorways.
“Accessibility is the design of products, services or environments for people who experience disabilities to ensure they can use them independently,” he explains. “It benefits everyone.” He notes that accessibility improvements also help parents with strollers, seniors using walkers and anyone with temporary mobility challenges.
His advocacy journey began around 2016–2017 while living in Listowel. Frustrated by the number of buildings he could not enter, he decided to take action rather than accept the status quo.
After researching possible solutions, he connected with StopGap Foundation, a Toronto-based organization that provides removable ramps to businesses. Inspired by founder Luke Anderson, he launched a local initiative to bring the program to Listowel.
Through fundraising efforts and support from a Listowel District Secondary School shop class, a Me to We group and the community’s Home Hardware, the group was able to provide 19 businesses with removable wooden ramps to improve storefront access.
The ramps were intended as a temporary solution — a first step until permanent accessibility features could be installed. However, to date, only one business has followed through with a permanent ramp.
“I would have liked to see more of an effort,” he says. “But this is just the tip of the iceberg, and I’m not done yet.”
The experience taught him persistence. “I’ve learned to never give up and keep trying until I get it.”
Beyond physical entryways, he says everyday challenges remain invisible to many. Winter poses significant safety concerns, as snow and ice make sidewalks treacherous for wheelchair users. Accessible public washrooms are another ongoing frustration, with many labeled spaces still too small to accommodate his chair comfortably.
In addition to grassroots initiatives, he hosts a YouTube talk show Possibilities focused on disability issues, aiming to spark conversation and “move the needle ever so slightly.”
Looking ahead, his immediate focus is on securing accessible housing in order to live independently. He and his microboard are currently working to obtain additional ministry funding to make that goal a reality.
Despite setbacks, his determination remains firm.
“Accessibility helps everyone,” he says. “And we still have a long way to go.”
