Striving to remove barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities!
Failures to consider Accessibility in Community Development have far-reaching consequences for People with Disabilities, preventing their ability to participate in public spaces. Dani Izzie’s experience in Miami, where the lack of curb cuts blocked her access to public transit, highlights how even small oversights can have devastating impacts. These barriers erode autonomy and reinforce systemic discrimination, excluding People with Disabilities from vibrant and inclusive communities. Addressing such failures requires proactive efforts to integrate accessibility into Community planning.
Efforts to reduce car reliance and improve walkability in cities all too often ignore accessibility, with some initiatives even exacerbating barriers for People with Disabilities. The lack of input from community members who are People with Disabilities perpetuates harmful narratives, treating accessibility as an afterthout if at all. Advocates like Anna Zivarts and Maddy Ruvolo stress the importance of prioritizing accessible infrastructure, from safe sidewalks to transit options, to ensure that People with Disabilities can navigate their communities with dignity and independence.
Walkable, accessible communities are vital for fostering equity and inclusion. Studies show that improving walkability significantly increases transit use among People with Disabilities, enhancing their access to essential services and opportunities. Yet, systemic discrimination persists, as seen in policies that fail to link accessibility improvements with broader urban initiatives like congestion pricing. This disconnect underscores the urgent need for community-building efforts that prioritize accessibility from the outset, removing barriers that prevent People with Disabilities from participating.
Inclusive community development starts with listening to and implementing the ideas of People with Disabilities. San Francisco’s approach of involving disability groups in transportation planning demonstrates how collaborative solutions can address accessibility failures effectively. To build truly Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities, we must commit to removing these barriers and ensuring that accessibility is a cornerstone of every community-building effort.
Read the Full Article: All Walks: Limiting Cars in Cities Can Help People with Disabilities, Too
by: Julia Métraux
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