2. Describe the emotional impact for the physically disabled when they cannot access these surroundings.
3. In what ways can we foster a more inclusive and accessible environment for people with physical disabilities?
4. What initiatives can be implemented to enhance accessibility in public transportation for people with physical disabilities?
1. How do you think varying places could become more accessible to the disabled? (ie: Playgrounds, restaurants, schools, etc.)
The best approach to this issue is through education and advocacy. Recruiting and training advocates-both disabled and nondisabled—in presenting accessibility as a civil rights issues and in the basics of accessibility (not just physical accessibility but also the need for sign language interpreters for the Deaf, the importance of website accessibility, for people with visual and learning disabilities, etc.) could create a cadre of people who are knowledgeable about ways to create accessible communities. For example, many business people are unaware that there are tax credits available for making their businesses accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. Each federal region in the U.S. has an ADA information center that is charged with training on the ADA and providing information about making communities accessible. These centers are wonderful resources.
2. Describe the emotional impact for the physically disabled when they cannot access these surroundings.
For anyone with a disability, being excluded due to barriers is hurtful and discouraging. For example, not being able to dine at an inaccessible restaurant with friends or being excluded from an art class that is held in an environment with barriers can create social isolation. Constantly confronting these barriers can lead to depression. Barriers other than physical ones can be discouraging. For example, a blind person unable to access information due to an inaccessible website can discourage independence, which is another problem.
> 3. In what ways can we foster a more inclusive and accessible environment for people with physical disabilities?
We can all be advocates in our own local settings. For example, when visiting a public place with an inaccessible restroom, we can ask the manager, “how would a wheelchair user access this restroom?” We can bring accessibility issues up at places we frequent, such as churches, clubs, retail establishments, restaurants, parks, etc. For those who serve on non-profit boards, we can ask whether people with any type of disability are able to access facilities and programs. We can vote for candidates who have a disability platform—and if they don’t, we can question them about how they will promote inclusion and accessibility. We need to use an “accessibility lens” to assess whether settings and programs can be accessed by everyone, disabled or not.
> 4. What initiatives can be implemented to enhance accessibility in public transportation for people with physical disabilities?
First, we can learn about what is required for accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act—this is where an ADA Center can be helpful in providing information. Then, we can advocate with our local transportation authority to ensure that they follow or exceed these requirements.
Second, connect with national disability advocacy groups, such as the National Council on Independent Living, to support their efforts to increase access to public transportation. Groups like this have advocates who monitor transportation policy and advocate for accessibility.