By Andrew Sanderson – Director, Architecture & Access
Each year on 3 December, the International Day of People with Disability invites us to reflect on how far we’ve come – and how far we still have to go — in building a society that values inclusion, equity, and participation for all.
Why Accessibility Matters
This year’s theme, ‘Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress’, speaks directly to the heart of our work at Architecture & Access. It reminds us that accessibility is not just about physical spaces – it’s about creating communities where everyone can contribute, belong and thrive.
As an access consultant for over 30 years, I’ve seen firsthand how inclusive design can transform lives. Whether it’s making major public events like the Australian Open or the Melbourne Cup Carnival accessible to all or working with clients to embed universal design principles into new developments, our goal is always the same: to remove barriers and open up opportunities for everyone.
Our Commitment to Inclusive Design
At Architecture & Access, this day holds particular significance. It reminds us why we do what we do: to create environments that enable people to participate fully, confidently, and with dignity. It’s a moment to reaffirm our commitment to universal design—not just as a technical standard, but as a philosophy that values equity, choice, and human experience.
On this day, we celebrate the achievements of people with disability and recommit to advancing social progress through inclusive design. At Architecture & Access, we believe that when environments are accessible, lives are transformed—and society moves forward.
Stories of Resilience and Impact
To celebrate this day, I am sharing two inspiring stories from colleagues and friends who have navigated life with disability – demonstrating resilience, creativity and the power of inclusive design.
Francesca Davenport: Designing for Dignity
Francesca’s Story
This year’s theme for the International Day of People with Disability resonates deeply with Francesca’s life story. Her journey is a powerful example of resilience, advocacy, and the transformative impact of inclusive design.
Born in Indonesia just weeks after the country declared independence, Francesca’s early life changed dramatically when she contracted poliomyelitis at two and a half years old, resulting in partial and complete paralysis in her legs.
Despite mobility challenges and societal expectations that she pursue a sedentary career; Francesca chose a different path – architecture. Her determination to shape environments that enable participation for all became her lifelong mission.
Francesca’s career spans over 38 years as an architect and accredited access consultant. She has championed universal design principles in healthcare, aged care, and public spaces, ensuring environments are not only compliant but welcoming and functional for everyone. Her expertise is informed by lived experience: navigating inaccessible schools, adapting mobility aids from bicycles to wheelchairs, and later advocating for systemic change through committees and standards development.
Her Colombo Plan Fellowship in the early 1970’s allowed her to specialise in rehabilitation architecture in Australia – a pivotal moment that set the stage for decades of leadership in inclusive design. Today, Francesca continues to share her wisdom with younger consultants, reinforcing that accessibility is not just about technical – it’s about dignity, independence, and social progress.
Sandy Blythe OAM: Champion of Sport and Accessibility
Sandy Blythe’s Story
Sandy is a man whose determination and vision changed the landscape of disability rights, inclusion, accessibility and sport in Australia.
Born in Geelong in 1962, Sandy was a talented Australian Rules footballer with aspirations for a professional career. At 19, his life changed forever when a car accident left him paraplegic. Rather than letting this define his future, Sandy redirected his competitive spirit into wheelchair basketball – leading to extraordinary achievements.
Sandy represented Australia in four Paralympic Games (Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, and Sydney 2000) co-captaining the gold medal-winning team at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics – an historic first for Australian basketball.
His contributions earned him the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1997 and an Australian Sports Medal in 2000. In 2010, he was posthumously inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame, and today, the Sandy Blythe Medal honors the best male wheelchair basketballer each year.
Image: Sandy in a match against Great Britain, 1996 Atlanta Paralympics
During his tenure as the Recreational and Lifestyle Manager at Austin Hospital, Sandy played a pivotal role in supporting athletes with disabilities. His programs focused on rehabilitation through sport and recreation, fostering confidence and resilience. Many athletes who worked with Sandy went on to achieve remarkable success, including representing Australia at the Paralympic Games. His commitment to empowering individuals through sport exemplified his belief that inclusion and opportunity can transform lives.
Beyond sport, Sandy was a passionate advocate for disability rights and inclusion. In 1998, he co-founded Blythe-Sanderson Group with me, pioneering accessibility consulting and home modifications to help people with disability live independently. Our work advanced the intent of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, ensuring that buildings, services, and public spaces became more accessible and inclusive.
Sandy’s life reminds us that inclusion is not just policy – it’s personal. His advocacy and achievements opened doors for countless Australians, removing barriers for individuals so they can thrive in their communities.
His legacy continues through Architecture & Access and through every accessible space that enables participation and dignity for all.
