Tokunbo Olaitan Arannilewa’s Post

We on the Move: Towards Equitable Transport Systems For more than half a million people in the world, accessible and safe design features in public transport infrastructure and system can mean an education, a job and equal opportunities that would otherwise be denied to them. Thus it is mandatory to make public transport system and pedestrian infrastructure accessible and provide ‘first and last mile’ connectivity for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility. https://lnkd.in/gVFrfw_D

Founded as ‘National Access Awareness Week’ in 1988 and inspired by Canada's Man in Motion, Rick Hansen, National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) celebrates Canadians with disabilities and raises awareness of the critical need for accessibility and inclusion for everyone in our communities and in our workplaces. Our mission at O'Hara Aging + Accessibility is to build age-friendly and accessible communities and create inclusive customer experiences for everyone. Join the #NAAWChallenge and leave a comment below sharing someone who inspires you to create a more accessible world! #NAAW2024 #NationalAccessAbilityWeek #NAAWChallenge #AccessibilityResources #AccessibilityMatters  Image Description: The image promotes National AccessAbility Week, celebrated from May 26 to June 1. It features a lime green semi-circle with the text, "May 26 - June 1 is National AccessAbility Week," and a megaphone illustration. Below, a dark blue and gray box says, "DID YOU KNOW?" The Ohara Aging + Accessibility logo is at the bottom left.

Happy National AccessAbility Week! This is a time to celebrate the many meaningful contributions made by Canadians with disabilities, to reflect on our own perceptions of disability and challenge ourselves to be more inclusive. When you think about disability do you think in terms of a medical issue? Do you see an impairment or diminished capacity? OR do you see a WHOLE PERSON, who deserves equal access to the world around them? But a world that is not currently designed so they are able to fully interact with it? A blind colleague does not require lights to navigate the workplace. A person in a wheel chair does not require a chair to be provided at their desk. We all need certain accommodations. Each individual has unique needs, and, of course, not all disabilities are obvious. We all have a responsibility to ensure we actively create a barrier free society that benefits everyone. Accessibility is facilitating equitable access to places, products, systems and information for all citizens. In my role as executive champion for the Persons with Disabilities Network at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/ Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada, I have the privilege of supporting some very dedicated colleagues working to tackle some of these issues. What could you do to promote accessibility during #NAAW2024 and every day?

Will you be bustling about our transport system this week? Will you feel disabled by the design of that system? Perhaps you are fortunate to not have a sight impairment or don't need to use a wheelchair. But suppose that wasn't the case? "1 in 5 people has a disability ... 9 out of every 10 people acquired their disability during their lifetime [not at birth]". Take a moment to reflect - any of us could face disability. But what does that feel like? I had the great privilege of spending time yesterday at a fantastic new facility in Dublin called 'The Wayfinding Centre' which focuses on the need to make transport accessibility for everyone. Thank you Jodie for hosting us. And thank you Helena and Jake for being so generous in sharing your lived experience of disability as young people in Ireland. Here are a few points I took away: Imagine, even for your routine journeys (let alone the unfamiliar ones) that they are inconsistent and unpredictable. Not being guaranteed to find the help you need, even if you've arranged it in advance. If you're registered blind you may have some residual vision. Imagine travelling at night if there is no lighting or poorly designed lighting - the shapes of landmarks you rely on disappear. As a young blind woman, imagine how vulnerable you could feel. A person disabled by the environment they face may welcome your help. When you offer it, do so thoughtfully. Gently introduce yourself. Be guided by them - ask don't presume. Someone who is sight impaired is likely to wish to hold your elbow not the other way around. Someone in a wheelchair may wish you to be in front, not pushing them. Don't pet a guide dog - it distracts them and they have a job to do. Invading someone's autonomy, even with the best intentions can make the person feel less human. Bad design is degrading. Thank you Glenn Hingerty for organising my visit with Sue Percy on behalf of the Republic of Ireland branch of Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT). The visit to the new National Train Control Centre was also fascinating. Watch this space for an important new CIHT report on accessibility for all coming soon. Nick Tyler CBE FREng your ears must have been burning over the last day or two?! #equalitydiversityinclusion 💙

The UK government has made significant strides in improving transport accessibility for people living with disabilities, impacting various facets of their daily lives and overall societal inclusion. Here are key impacts: ### 1. **Legislative Framework** The UK has a strong legislative framework that supports transport accessibility, primarily through the Equality Act 2010. This act requires transport providers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure services are accessible to disabled people. It sets a legal precedent for inclusivity and enforces compliance across the transport sector. ### 2. **Funding and Infrastructure Improvements** The government has allocated substantial funding to enhance transport infrastructure. Programs like the Access for All fund have been instrumental in making railway stations more accessible, adding features such as lifts, ramps, and tactile paving. This investment ensures that more stations can cater to the needs of disabled passengers, improving their mobility and independence. ### 3. **Policy and Advisory Bodies** The establishment of advisory bodies such as the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) provides a platform for disabled individuals to influence policy decisions. DPTAC offers guidance on various issues related to accessible transport, ensuring that policies are informed by those who are directly affected by them. ### 4. **Public Transport Enhancements** The UK government has worked to enhance public transport services, including buses, trains, and taxis. Regulations now require buses and coaches to have features like low floors and wheelchair spaces. Train operators are mandated to provide assistance services, and the introduction of accessible taxi programs has expanded options for door-to-door travel. ### 5. **Technological Innovations** Investment in technology has improved accessibility through real-time information systems, mobile apps, and digital platforms that assist disabled travelers. For example, the "TfL Go" app in London offers accessibility information, helping users plan their journeys effectively. ### 6. **Training and Awareness** The government has supported initiatives to train transport staff in assisting disabled passengers. This training ensures that staff can provide the necessary support and that transport environments are welcoming and accommodating. ### 7. **Community and Stakeholder Engagement** By involving disabled communities and advocacy groups in the planning and implementation of transport policies, the government ensures that the real needs of disabled individuals are addressed. This participatory approach fosters a sense of inclusion and empowers disabled people. ### Conclusion The UK government's efforts have had a profound impact on making transport more accessible for people living with disabilities. Through a combination of legislation, funding, policy advisory, public transport enhancements, technological innovations, staff training.

#Accessibility is crucial to our everyday life. See 5 #EU cities (including #PL Łódź) how they ensure accessibility to #urban life for all, including persons with #disabilities and #older citizens, including for built environment, public transport, facilities, and services, as well as information and #communication #technologies and #services. #EuropeanUnion #AccessCityAward

National AccessAbility Week is May 26th - June 1, 2024. This year, the theme for National AccessAbility Week is "Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All," emphasizing the need for collective efforts to create a barrier-free Canada. Our country's strength lies in the diversity of its people—all its people—and we can all contribute to this vision. Join us to celebrate: • the valuable contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities in Canada • the work of allies, organizations and communities that are removing barriers • ongoing efforts to become a more accessible and disability inclusive Canada https://lnkd.in/dEWe5Bq Photo descriptor: The visual includes the text: May 26 to June 1. National AccessAbility Week 2024. Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for all. Text is followed by the photo of a smiling woman with her arms crossed. The visual ends with the Canada Wordmark.

*Accessibility* I finally got to experience accessibility working at it’s finest. These situations, with a steep set of steps, are normally no go areas for me and my wheelchair but this is a brilliant and very cool solution. When accessibility is done right it can make a huge difference. It makes us disabled people feel like we are wanted in the world and not shut out because of our disability. Disabled become very loyal to those places that embrace accessibility spending time and money revisiting in the knowledge we will feel welcome. I have had too many experiences with rubbish accessibility solutions both physical and online. Companies are missing out when they don’t consider disabled people. The Purple Pound (the combined spending power of disabled people) is worth £274 billion to the UK economy. Money not being spent due to disabled people being ignored. If you are choosing to not embrace accessibility then you are missing out and we spend our money with those that actually want us. It’s your choice.

🌟 National AccessAbility Week: May 26 to June 1, 2024 🌟 As we celebrate National AccessAbility Week, let's reflect on the importance of accessibility and inclusion. This year's theme, "Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All," emphasizes the collective effort needed to build a barrier-free Canada. Here are some ways to contribute: 📚 Educate Yourself: Understand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the importance of accessibility in various aspects of life. Check out resources from the Rick Hansen Foundation (@RickHansenFdn) and the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (@CCRW). 🗣 Advocate for Change: Speak up for accessible environments and policies. Support organizations like the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance (@AODAAlliance) that are dedicated to advocating for accessibility legislation and enforcement. 🤝 Engage in Inclusive Practices: Incorporate inclusive practices into your everyday life, whether it's ensuring your events are accessible to all attendees or advocating for accessible transportation options in your community. Use our checklists for websites, meetings, and workspaces under our infographics. 🔊 Amplify Voices: Listen to and share the stories of those with disabilities, as well as organizations and activists working toward greater accessibility and inclusion. The Neil Squire Society is a Canadian organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through technology and employment programs. Follow them (@NeilSquireSoc) to learn about their innovative initiatives and success stories. Let’s move "Forward Together" for a more inclusive future! 🌍✨ https://lnkd.in/dEWe5Bq #NAAW2024 #AccessibleCanada #PWD #Inclusion

Give my first published article a read! All about wheelchair accessibility in Kyrgyzstan. https://lnkd.in/e4ZFPh4J