Darby Lee Young is the powerhouse behind Level Playing Field Inc., a firm dedicated to shaking up how we think about accessibility and Universal Design. Born with cerebral palsy and a former national para-alpine skier, Darby brings a mix of lived experience, sharp strategy, and unapologetic honesty to every project she tackles.

With over 16 years in the game and certifications as both an ADA Coordinator and IOC Safeguarding Officer, Darby’s work spans everything from massive convention centres and pro sports venues to airports, universities, and citywide developments. Her team doesn’t just tick boxes; they challenge clients to think bigger, go further, and actually create spaces that welcome everyone.

She has consulted on headline projects like Calgary’s $500 million BMO Centre Expansion and works with organizations like IATA to push global aviation accessibility forward. Darby has been named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and a Top 25 Woman of Influence, but she’s most proud of the moments when clients say, “we never would’ve thought of that.”

Whether she’s delivering keynotes, advising architects, or rolling through a site in her scooter pointing out the good, the bad, and the seriously, what were they thinking, Darby is all in. Her passion? Making inclusion the default, not the afterthought.