Darby Lee Young, ADAC
Principal Accessibility Strategist, Level Playing Field Inc
ADA, Accessibility, Universal design, Inclusion, Diversity, Disability, Inclusive design
Growing up with mild cerebral palsy, I learned early on how physical and social environments can either empower or limit people’s ability to participate fully in life. My journey as a competitive para-alpine skier further reinforced the importance of creating spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive. The challenges I faced navigating inaccessible environments weren’t just personal frustrations—they became the driving force behind my passion for removing barriers for others.
Throughout my life, I’ve had to find creative ways to adapt, but I realized the real change happens when environments adapt to us. That realization fueled my commitment to accessibility advocacy and inspired me to found Level Playing Field Inc. I wanted to ensure that people with disabilities are considered from the start—not as an afterthought—and that universal design is the standard, not the exception.
My lived experience has not only shaped my professional expertise, but it has also taught me the power of resilience, advocacy, and creating lasting change. Every project I take on, every barrier I help remove, is a step towards building a world where everyone can participate equitably. I believe that true accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating environments where every person, no matter their ability, feels valued and included.
Media
Breaking Down Barriers - Darby Lee Young
Darby Lee Young, Founder and Principal Accessibility Strategist, Level Playing Field (https://www.levelplayingfield.ca)
Darby’s ultimate goal has been to combine her lived experience with her professional life as an Accessibility Consultant. As a person born with mild cerebral palsy, Darby has been able to utilize this unique experience to her advantage, and her previous political appointments and competitive career as a para-alpine skier have provided her with an impactful perspective when approaching projects.
Darby’s previous political appointments and achievements include serving on the City of Calgary’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility (ACA) from 2011-2015, serving as the co-chair for two years. Darby also represented the City of Calgary at the International Summit on Accessibility in 2014. From June 2017 to June 2020, Darby was a member of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
Over the last five years, Darby has been honoured with numerous awards and achievements. In 2018 Darby was selected as one of Canada’s top 40 under 40. In February 2020, John Fluevog Shoes released the "Darby" Shoes. They are now available in multiple colours. In 2021 Darby was named one of the Top 25 Women of Influence 2021. Darby continues to break down barriers for persons with disabilities not only professionally but also personally in hopes that one day it truly makes a difference.
LPF has allowed Darby to offer her expertise to a wider range of clients. By incorporating universal design features in new builds and conducting accessibility reviews on proposed and existing facilities, Darby’s work continues to make a significant difference for many people living with disabilities and puts her team at the forefront of accessibility consulting. Through this work LPF has successfully contributed to the removal of barriers at the municipal, provincial and national levels, ultimately establishing inclusive environments.
In her spare time, Darby can be found at most sporting events, especially Hockey, Tennis and Chuckwagon Racing! She enjoys travelling and exploring new places for accessibility. Darby will always be seen on the sidelines cheering on her friends and family in all their adventures.
#Calgary #yyc #business #smallbusiness #entrepreneurs #accessibility #disabilities
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Podcast. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 as one of the Top 10 Business Journalists in the World by PR News – the only Canadian to make the list. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024.
Global News Interview - Re John Fluevog Shoes - The Darby!
Global News Calgary , February 4, 2020Television
URL: https://globalnews.ca/news/6507651/canadian-shoe-designer-john-fluevog-calgary-woman/
John Fluevog named shoes after Darby Lee Young!
Darby Lee Young lives with cerebral palsy. Just like anyone else, she loves a funky pair of shoes to make a statement and show off her personality. But shoes aren’t one size fits all and there are some limits to her choices
Public transit, fire and police take biggest hit in city's $60M budget cut
Calgary teen in wheelchair upset over obstacles at the movie theatre
Biography
Darby Lee Young is a seasoned accessibility strategist with over 15 years of hands-on experience in advocating for universal design and applying international accessibility standards across various sectors. As the founder of Level Playing Field Inc., Darby has led projects across Canada and internationally, helping to break down physical and attitudinal barriers that hinder full participation for people of all abilities. Her expertise spans a range of public and private projects, where she has guided the creation of inclusive spaces that prioritize the needs of everyone, not just those with disabilities.
In addition to her professional achievements, Darby brings a unique perspective to her work, grounded in her lived experience with mild cerebral palsy. This personal insight, coupled with her impressive career as a competitive para-alpine skier, has made her a respected advocate for meaningful, lasting change in accessibility. Darby has successfully driven the removal of barriers at the municipal, provincial, and national levels, contributing to policy shifts and project implementations that reflect her commitment to inclusivity.
Her influence extends beyond her consulting work; Darby has held various political appointments, including serving on the City of Calgary's Advisory Committee on Accessibility and the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities. Additionally, she is a certified Safeguarding Officer by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), further underscoring her commitment to creating safe, inclusive environments in all areas of her work.
Recognized for her leadership and impact, Darby was named one of Canada's Top 40 Under 40 in 2018 and one of the Top 25 Women of Influence in 2021. Her passion for accessibility is evident in her public speaking engagements, and her advocacy emphasizes the importance of lived experience in shaping inclusive environments. She continues to push for accessibility that benefits all people, creating spaces where everyone can participate fully and equitably.
Recognition/Reconnaissance
Top 25 Women of Influence 2021 | Professional
The Top 25 Women of Influence awards recognize and celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of self-identified women and gender-diverse role models. The awards acknowledge the unique achievements of women representing various sectors, career stages, and contributions to the advancement of women. Each recipient has left their mark over the past year: contributing to the greater good through their initiatives; by reaching inspiring heights on the global stage; or in using their influence to drive demonstrated change.
Calgary Stampede Western Legacy Award for Innovation 2016 | Professional
Awarded to an individual or group who has created a single visionary project that reflects to our western values.
Canada's Top 40 under 40 2018 | Professional
Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 is a dynamic awards program that identifies outstanding young achievers in Canadian business, visionaries and innovators changing the way things are done. They are inspiring others and already giving back to their communities and to Canada. And every one of them is under the age of forty.
Past Talks
Keynote Speaker
Southern 2024 Annual Regional Conference
Galveston, TX , May 8, 2024