Some insight into the "stairs" problem

I'm standing in the lobby of the synagogue in which we enjoyed a Seudat Purim (the festive Purim meal that one is obligated to eat on Purim afternoon) and complaining that the lay-out of that building, with the sanctuary on the second floor, makes it impossible for people with mobility challenges to daven/pray there. A member of the congregation chimes in that, well into the twentieth century, most buildings were "walk-ups" (buildings without elevators), so people were very much accustomed to walking up stairs to go just about anywhere, and, therefore, having a "walk-up" sanctuary would have been considered no big deal. "Hmm," says I, "that's probably true, now that you mention it--I hadn't thought of that. But I'm glad that we're now more aware of the need to make buildings accessible to all.”