Institute for Public Health Innovation’s Post

Disability Tip #20: Respect Our Boundaries! Remember, our mobility aids - walkers, wheelchairs, canes, and more - are an extension of ourselves. Touching someone's mobility aid without permission is like touching them without consent. It's important to respect our personal space and boundaries. Please don't touch our mobility aids without asking first. We appreciate your willingness to help, but we might not need assistance. Simply ask, and we'll gladly say yes or no. Let's prioritize consent and respect each other's autonomy. By asking before helping, you're showing that you value our independence and dignity. Let's create a culture of inclusivity and respect - one that recognizes the importance of consent and personal boundaries. #RAMPisinclusion #RAMPredbag #ADA34 #betheIDEA #TinaTables #unapologeticallyme #accessibilitymatters #inclusionmatters #wheellife #spinalcordinjury

Why designing an accessible city goes beyond affordability Accessible cities involve designing and building more intentionally inclusive infrastructure for the vulnerable, especially the elderly and the disabled. #urbantransformation #inclusivity https://lnkd.in/eUKuwuU8

An insightful piece from Ron Buliung that questions the ableism persisting in policy and practice concerning 15-minute cities, walkability, walk scores, and more. Worth the read!

The problem with the word ‘disability’ is it signifies inability, when that is not the case. In truth to be disabled, is to be differently abled. Needing adaptations in every day life of some form or another to not just live, but to thrive. Disabled individuals are able. And able individuals are sometimes disabled. We have to change our ways of thinking. We have to change our ways of seeing and realise that we are all human. We all have our ways of working, our ways of living, and we should strive towards an accessible society where regardless of differences, everybody is on the same footing. To live. To love. To learn. To work. To play. To be happy. #accessibility #accessibilityforall #accessibilitymatters #accessibledesign #accessibleworld #accessibleliving

Advancements in technology offer promising avenues to enhance the accessibility of cities beyond mere affordability considerations. Integrating smart urban planning tools, such as AI-driven predictive modeling for pedestrian flow, can optimize the placement of accessible infrastructure like ramps and elevators. Augmented reality (AR) navigation applications tailored for the elderly and disabled can provide real-time guidance through city spaces, considering their specific mobility challenges. Additionally, the Internet of Things (IoT) can enable the creation of responsive environments, where traffic signals, crosswalks, and public transportation systems dynamically adapt to the needs of diverse users. Collaborative platforms can also leverage crowdsourced data to identify accessibility gaps and inform ongoing urban development. By embracing these technological advancements, cities can transcend affordability constraints and create more intentionally inclusive environments for vulnerable populations.

Integrated mobility solutions and not partial solutions needed for enhanced mobility for those with mobility challenges Ron Buliung’s insights into integrated accessibility design for mobility are spot on. Enhancing one component of the transport network alone is insufficient to provide door-to-door accessible transportation for individuals with mobility challenges. About 22 years ago, while researching transport accessibility in Peru, I observed a pertinent example. The World Bank had funded public transit buses designed to kneel, facilitating boarding for commuters with mobility challenges. These buses were also equipped to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs without assistance. Despite the advanced functionality of these buses, the real issue lay in the numerous accessibility barriers encountered by passengers before reaching the bus stop. Buildings lacked elevators, many streets were devoid of sidewalks, and unexpected steps and other physical barriers frequently impeded access. These obstacles rendered the journey to the bus stop, and consequently the accessible bus, nearly impossible. Buliung aptly referred to this as the "millimeter problem" rather than the "last mile" problem. Every inch of the journey must be considered to achieve true accessibility. The emphasis should be on creating a seamless and integrated network that considers all aspects of the journey, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can navigate from their doorstep to their destination without encountering barriers. This holistic approach is essential for genuinely inclusive urban mobility solutions. Transportation Research Board The World Bank Transport Canada - Transports Canada

Why designing an accessible city goes beyond affordability Accessible cities involve designing and building more intentionally inclusive infrastructure for the vulnerable, especially the elderly and the disabled. #urbantransformation #inclusivity https://lnkd.in/eFDvM_xh

Why designing an accessible city goes beyond affordability Accessible cities involve designing and building more intentionally inclusive infrastructure for the vulnerable, especially the elderly and the disabled. #urbantransformation #inclusivity https://lnkd.in/eaEt3vVY

Sustainable Growth Webinar, June 13 When Driving is Not an Option: Designing Transportation for Involuntary Non-drivers Improves Accessibility for All Anna Zivarts, a low-vision mom, disability advocate, non-driver and author of When Driving is Not an Option: Steering Away from Car Dependance, will explain that when the needs of involuntary nondrivers are viewed as essential to how we design our transportation systems and our communities https://lnkd.in/exHjTiJf

I was delighted to see on the beach of the small Spanish town where I spend summers that they had special sand wheelchairs for disabled and elderly people. This meant that everyone had the chance to enjoy the beach and the water. When my Mum was alive two lifeguards even gave me a hand. One of the most overlooked areas of diversity and inclusion is accessibility. I have been to client offices which have either limited or even poor accessibility for anyone not fully mobile or able.  Or if they do, they have to call for assistance causing them to feel "othered." Have you ever tried to navigate your way around any major city either with either a buggy or a suitcase?  Public transport is an impossible challenge.  Can you imagine what it must be like for someone in a wheelchair? Time for some serious empathy followed by action. Read on for how organisations can improve accessibility for disabled people which is crucial for creating an inclusive workplace. https://buff.ly/47g9rT9 #disabledaccess #workplaceculture #diversityandinclusion #wheelchairaccess #3plusint