ABSTRACT
This chapter examines three central spatial metaphors from the field of disability studies: the steep steps, the retrofit, and universal design. The steep steps reflect social structures wherein hierarchies of privilege are reflected in conventional architecture. The retrofit refers to the mandate to redesign spaces for access, albeit often under temporary, backdoor and overly legalistic parameters. Universal design refers to the movement to design spaces for the broadest possible access, anticipating diversity. All three metaphors have physical as well as symbolic entailments. The goal in this chapter is to give readers some metaphorical tools for analyzing built spaces from a disability rights perspective, acknowledging the stories and the histories and the attitudes and prejudices built into these spaces and also built against bodily diversity and mobility. Disability is also produced, sometimes most powerfully by the uses of space.
