Creativity and Innovation Are Essential For Action
“Creativity and Innovation Are Essential For Action” in a blue cloud with the word “Action” bolded in blue. A blue outline of a megaphone is at the bottom left corner directed to the title.
I got inspired recently as Creativity and Innovation Day was on April 21, 2025. As my advocacy work has been within disability and accessibility, creativity and innovation is common and essential for change. While it has no single definition to fully embrace the opportunities that creativity and innovation can exist in our societies and lives, it is everywhere connected to understanding and imagination.
I remember studying my degree in public policy when my professor highlighted an interesting point of view that seems simple but not always recognized. Which scenario are you more likely to consume?, engage with, and understand?
A lengthy document of an important issue written with every specific detail and situation to consider
A 30 second video of human interaction, showcasing the issue with a clear message and takeaway
I don’t know about your interests but for me, while I do like knowing all the little details about issues I care about, a lengthy document is not what is going to get me interested in the first place. It is people’s stories, commercials, reels, photos, art and so much more that requires a level of creativity and innovation. Even an interesting tool that looks cool will catch my attention.
Creativity and innovation is happening everywhere. Below are some examples to provide an understanding and inspiration for utilizing creativity and innovation for advocacy and action.
For World Down Syndrome day, a video was released highlighting the importance of having disabled voices at every table for decisions. I could explain why it is critical to have disabled people’s input on decisions but the video does a great job at showing it. Watch the video here for an example of creativity used in communications and storytelling.
One key learning about people with disabilities experiences is that everyone has their own needs that need to be met to improve their own quality of life. Well, how do you find solutions to individual problems that exist in day to day life? Well, assistive and adaptive technologies are the tools. This requires not only innovation, but also creativity to find the right tools and resources to fit the individual. Makers Making Change has over 200 open-source assistive devices that can be built for people to need these tools.
Built environment is one of the common accessibility concerns and one that takes quite a bit of time and resources to rebuild into an accessible space. When it comes to spaces that were not designed with accessibility in mind, it takes some creativity and innovative solutions to rebuild and reimagine the space with accessibility in mind. Read the Accessibility Partners Canada on the impacts on the construction industry to improve accessibility.
There are many more examples and likely are things and experiences you have whether it is for need or convenience. Creativity and innovation are essential to creating a world that has everyone in mind for a more accessible and inclusive experience.
Amanda