A diving accident in 2016 left Mark Raymond Jr., an Xavier University alumnus, with limited mobility, requiring him to navigate his beloved New Orleans in a wheelchair. Struggling against inadequate accessibility standards, Raymond felt a wave of hopelessness. However, after confronting his emotions and reevaluating his purpose, he focused on advocacy.
In 2018, two years post-accident, Raymond founded the Split Second Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to the holistic wellness of individuals with disabilities. He also runs Universal Development Consulting, aimed at implementing accessibility standards into urban and commercial projects.
Raymond emphasized the need for inclusion, stating, “For so long, accessibility was kind of like an afterthought.” He advocates for the addition of “A” to the DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) framework, recognizing disability as the largest minority population globally. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 42.5 million Americans live with some form of disability, and over 1.3 billion worldwide experience significant challenges.
Preparing For An Accessible Super Bowl
With the upcoming Super Bowl and Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, Raymond is working diligently to ensure the city’s infrastructure improvements prioritize accessibility. Partnering with New Orleans & Company, he is producing educational videos for travelers with disabilities, highlighting tips for navigating the city and accessing attractions.
Reflecting on his journey, Raymond connects access to a broader, universal challenge. “At 27 years old, it didn’t affect me until I had an accident. Now, suddenly, I need all of this,” he explained, emphasizing that creating accessible environments benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.
A Legacy of Activism
Raymond’s activism draws inspiration from his grandfather, A.P. Tureau. Tureau was a prominent civil rights attorney in Louisiana. “When I think about disability rights, it is civil rights,” he noted. “His work formed my understanding of how to get things done.”
Through initiatives like the “Roll with Me” campaign, which allows civic leaders to experience the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities firsthand, Raymond aims to create a visceral awareness of the importance of accessibility. His efforts have successfully translated into funding for city services, including $5.5 million allocated for making public transport more accessible.
As both a personal crusade and a social necessity, Raymond is passionate about expanding the conversation around accessibility. “This work has given me purpose, belonging,” he shared. “It’s helped me in so many ways. It gave me my life back.”
Through his unwavering determination and vision, Mark Raymond Jr. is not just advocating for change; he is reshaping the narrative around accessibility and challenging us all to envision a world where everyone can thrive.
This article sources information from Xavier University of Louisiana.
