THRILLED TO TEACH UNIVERSAL DESIGN TO MILLIONS OF REALTORS

HOW TO DETECT ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES IN ANY PROPERTY

My five minute video is online, unlocking the value of Universal Design for millions of viewers.

Viewers learn practical tips for recognizing modifications and opportunities that make a property accessible for people with disabilities.

From doorways and kitchens to bathrooms, pools and parking, my expert insights help REALTORS better serve a broader range of clients.

I spoke at the Florida REALTORS statewide convention last year.

Florida has more REALTORS than any other state -- even more than giant California.

For two decades, I have written cover stories and center spread features for On Common Ground, a smart growth publication of the National Association of Realtors.

Many of my stories have featured groundbreaking Universal Design and wheelchair access insights.

I also crafted a first of its kind, hourlong visual and verbal presentation of Universal Design, Aging in Place and enhancing wheelchair access – for the Ohio REALTORS.

My unmatched Universal Design and Town Planning expertise has been featured in far more than 100 articles, webinars, podcasts, radio/television interviews and books.

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/video-library/learning/how-detect-accessibility-features-any-property

ONE MILLION BLOG READERS

NEVER BACKING DOWN

This week, my blog received its one millionth unique visitor.

I have been blogging daily for more than a decade.

Sometimes I have posted beautiful photos from exotic travel.

Certainly this space has served as a bully pulpit to scold lousy government services and terrible companies.

A few times, I have shared photos of my cats – or tragically, a tribute to one who went over the Rainbow Bridge.

But more than 90 percent of my posts are related to disability advocacy.

Most of those point out flaws in the built environment.

With all due respect, our planners, architects, engineers, builders and municipalities that regulate them have had more than a third of a century under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to get it right.

But the vast majority continue to push back, resist and even go to court to try to get out of the responsibility of observing federal civil rights legislation that guarantees equal access for people with disabilities.

Hundreds of local governments – and related transit, redevelopment and similar agencies – still design sidewalks, parks, buildings, transit systems, airports and much of the built environment in ways that isolate and dehumanized people with disabilities.

Sadly, with a plethora of lawsuits against the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a stacked Supreme Court may strip away basic dignity and independence of people with disabilities.

In case you are wondering, the CDC has documented that one in four people experience disability in their lifetime. That is more than 85 million Americans. Globally, the WHO has recognized that there are far more than 1 billion people with disabilities.

Not only is a level playing field a basic human right. But it also makes economic sense.

In addition to the staggering loss of dignity and quality of life, it costs trillions to warehouse people instead of mainstreaming them.

It costs dimes on the dollar to create inclusive spaces and places.

Once that is done, the rampant under- and unemployment of people with disabilities can become a thing of the past.

Catastrophically, our White House, Senate and Congress and far too many governors and state legislators  -- seem hellbent on reducing the inclusion gained under nearly 35 years of the ADA.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is the very definition of a Democracy – it is the core fiber of what it means to be in the United States. But the savage right wing would like to reframe DEI as something as loathsome as fascism.

This blog will never back down from championing DEI, especially in the lens of disability.

Not even if it costs me clients and work.

Not even if it places me in the crosshairs of an authoritarian government goose stepping its way toward a Nazi police state.

I will risk my nest egg, career and freedom – defending my right to underscore ableism and other treacherous acts of hatred toward the disability community.

Give me the liberty to be an ally, or give me death.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

Deborah McFadden

Voting is a right of all Americans, but too few are exercising that right.

According to the US Census Bureau, 67% of eligible voters cast ballots in the 2020 presidential election, but 62% of people with disabilities voted.

An analysis by the Election Assistance Commission found that if people with disabilities had voted at the same rate as people without disabilities, there would have been about 1.75 million more voters.

“One in four people have a disability. It’s the largest minority voting bloc in America. It is even bigger when you consider the family, friends, and caregivers,” says Deborah McFadden, who was instrumental in writing the ADA and getting it passed in her role as US Commissioner of Disabilities under President George H. W. Bush.

Deborah now operates Abilities Count to assist families in navigating disability benefits.

“Our voices have been heard.

But if we were even more active — as voters and as advocates pressing for inclusion — we would have a huge voice that could positively impact many things.”

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

Shaun Hill

Shaun Hill, MDA’s Manager of Public Policy and Advocacy, is leading the Access the Vote campaign to provide resources and guidance for navigating the electoral process.

She urges MDA members to use their right to vote to champion legislation impacting the disability community.

“Access the Vote is all about education, engagement, and empowerment,” Shaun says.

“The initiative aims to help people understand our government, the issues that affect our community, and how these things intersect with our daily lives.”

Along with teaching individuals how to be active, informed voters, Access the Vote addresses the barriers people with disabilities still face to exercising their right to vote — from lack of transportation to inaccessible voting machines.

It is a vital resource for information on disability voting rights and practical tools for preparing to vote.

Deborah McFadden was instrumental in writing the ADA and getting it passed in her role as US Commissioner of Disabilities under President George H. W. Bush. Deborah now operates Abilities Count to assist families in navigating disability benefits.

She recounts: “I was talking to five people who had just turned 18 that I helped with SSI and vocational rehabilitation, and I asked them if they were registered to vote.

Not one was.

I told them voting is the cornerstone of Democracy.

If there is one thing I can say to parents of children with disabilities, it is to vote and encourage your children to register when they turn 18.”

MDA wants to ensure that everyone in the neuromuscular community has the knowledge and opportunity to engage in the electoral process at all levels of government.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

Congress is also considering legislation related to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). The HCBS Access Act would increase access to in-home caregiving for people who need assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. 

The HCBS Relief Act supplies temporary additional funding for HCBS services with the goal of increasing the caregiver workforce.

Other important issues and pending legislation include:

• Making sure telehealth continues to be accessible for those who use it for essential medical care.
• Increasing access to genetic medicine and counseling.
• Improving access to specialized multidisciplinary care for the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) community via the ALS Better Care Act.

From the presidential election in November to the thousands of statewide, district, and local races taking place throughout the year, MDA encourages its members to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

While the neuromuscular and disability communities celebrate the progress made, they know there is still much to do to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else.

“Our community has told us to focus on reforming federal benefit programs, to prioritize SSI benefits that are better tailored to the century we live in,” says Paul Melmeyer, MDA’s Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy.

“Without changes, people risk SSI or Medicaid benefits if they pursue a career and their pay makes them ineligible.”

The Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) Penalty Elimination Act, introduced in the Senate in 2023, addresses this issue.

If approved, it would increase SSI asset limits from $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples — and these limits would be adjusted annually for inflation.

This would make it easier for individuals with disabilities to hold jobs and save for unexpected expenses without jeopardizing their benefits.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

Improving air travel for people with disabilities is an area MDA has been engaged in for many years.

For example, in 2022, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) held a listening session on air travel with wheelchair users.

People with neuromuscular diseases were among the broad base of advocates who detailed unacceptable conditions — everything from injuries caused by improper seat transfers to damaged mobility devices.

In response, the DOT released the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights.

In late 2023, after MDA advocates shared their personal air travel experiences with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials, the TSA invited MDA to provide officer training on interacting with travelers who use mobility devices.

This year, Congress passed the long-awaited Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization. This major piece of legislation includes reforms that will make air travel more accessible for people with disabilities, including:

• Airport and airline personnel will receive stronger, hands-on training on assisting passengers with disabilities and stowing wheelchairs.
• Airlines will be held accountable for reporting damage to wheelchairs.
• The FAA will continue to study the option of allowing passengers to stay in their wheelchairs during flight.
• People with disabilities will have a seat at the table when the government makes future decisions about air travel.

This law is the result of advocates sharing their air travel stories and telling lawmakers how the provisions in the bill will improve their flying experience.

MDA advocates made personal connections with their representatives to provide key information during the reauthorization process.

“I would say that accessible air travel is one area where MDA has helped create immense progress,” says Mark Fisher, MDA’s Director of Advocacy Engagement.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

Another win for the neuromuscular community came in May 2023, when Medicare announced it would cover seat elevation systems for power wheelchairs.

Leading up to the announcement, the MDA Advocacy team submitted formal comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) supporting this additional coverage.

In addition, MDA’s grassroots advocates sent in their own personal comments encouraging the CMS to make this change.

“Our advocates are spectacular at telling their stories to show why changes to laws and rules are important,” says Mark Fisher, MDA’s Director of Advocacy Engagement.

“One thing I love about advocacy at MDA is how our advocates fight so hard for change, whether it’s a big piece of legislation or a small tweak within an agency. I’m so proud of what our advocates have accomplished.”

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

It’s encouraging to look at how the disability community has positively influenced public policy regarding disability benefits in the last few years.

In 2022, Congress passed the ABLE Age Adjustment Act. Starting in 2026, the age of onset of disability to be eligible for an ABLE account will change from 26 to 46.

These tax-advantaged savings accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save and pay for disability-related expenses without endangering their benefits.

The policy change is estimated to make an additional 6 million people eligible for ABLE accounts.

In addition, the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act requires Medicare to cap the out-of-pocket costs of medications at $2,000 starting in 2025.

Currently, people with neuromuscular diseases on Medicare can see drug costs in the many thousands of dollars.

Advocates from the neuromuscular and disability communities who contacted their members of Congress were crucial in getting this law passed.

In 2023, MDA teamed up with other disability advocacy organizations to successfully defend the Medicaid program from work requirements and cuts that would have made it harder to qualify for Medicaid services or reduced benefits for people with disabilities.

 

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

When you think about great legislation for people with disabilities, you probably think of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

This important law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in many areas of public life, including jobs, schools, businesses, and transportation. It is designed to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

“The disability community came together to make this landmark law, showing the collective power we have,” says Deborah McFadden, who was instrumental in writing the ADA and getting it passed in her role as US Commissioner of Disabilities under President George H. W. Bush.

Deborah now operates Abilities Count to assist families in navigating disability benefits.

“While passing the ADA was a major achievement for the disability community, much work remains to be done,” she says. “I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to make your voice heard.”

Thanks to the dedication of countless advocates like Deborah, in the decades since the ADA was passed, we have seen some important progress in public policy and disability awareness.

From lobbying efforts by MDA and other organizations to calls, emails, and letters to representatives by grassroots advocates, making our voices heard has been a powerful tool for change.

ABLEISM IN GOVERNMENT

CITIES SPARE NO EXPENSE…EXCEPT WHEN IT COMES TO TREATING PEOPLE WITH DISABIITIES LIKE HUMAN BEINGS THAT DESERVE EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Mayor:

Our new library is state-of-the-art.

We spared no expense on the billion dollar stadium.

The city hall annex is the best of the best.

Improving the community pool lift to bare minimum ADA compliance is in the (unfunded) 10-year plan.

I HAVE AN IMDB ENTRY

NEVER THOUGHT I’D BE ON INTERNET MOVIE DATABASE

Thanks to Ron Small, Paul Bookman and the wonderful team making the documentary “Mark – A Call to Action” – I’m on IMDB.

I appear in the 90-minute film portraying a life well-lived by Ivy League-educated global disability leader/influencer Mark Bookman. Mark achieved 100 years of brilliance in a life the ended at age 31.

To continue his legacy of inclusive design and much more, I’m on camera talking about the positives – from safer pedestrian mobility to aging in place – that come with Universal Design and town planning that includes people with disabilities.

As a cast member, I have a brief listing on IMDB – one of the 50 most-visited sites on the internet.

The film debuts in Tokyo in February. I hope to be there – with the team that has made me a part of the family.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26931769/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49tk8fKAJxo

TO FUND MY DISABILITY INCLUSION RESEARCH IN JAPAN

I HAVE GREATED A GO FUND ME ACCOUNT

I've spent more than three decades as an advocate for a better built environment for people with disabilities.

For several years, I have done more than $10,000 worth of pro bono work in the disability community.

I have an opportunity to join the family of the late Mark Bookman + Emmy-winning documentary maker Ron Small for a series of events previewing "Mark -- A Call to Action" in Tokyo.

The film portrays Mark's work as a global disability inclusion leader, based in Tokyo.

Bound for PBS, it also is a call to action for all architects, planners, engineers and more -- to create cities and places where all people with disabilities can access all housing, workplaces, schools, parks, arts, shopping, transit and more.

I am budgeting $4,000 for roundtrip airfare (economy, smallest seat), hotel (pod style, lowest cost), transportation (public transit where possible) and meals (low cost street food).

gofund.me/93c0532c

My amount of pro bono work means that for the first time in my life, I am seeking support to help cover the expense of my travel for research.

In addition to the premieres, I will be meeting with key leaders in the disability community in Japan.

Many feel Japan's commitment to Universal Design is creating inclusion for people with disabilities that rivals that opened by the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act.

My photography of innovative design and lifelong contacts made during my 10-day visit will inform dozens of articles and hundreds of social media posts.

gofund.me/93c0532c

I have written stories about best urban design practices to accommodate wheelchair users.

I have worked as a town planner to create better sidewalks, parks, transit and housing for people with disabilities.

I created a groundbreaking course on Universal Design at the highly rated University of Miami School of Architecture.

I make dozens of social media posts each day of the year -- sharing ideas for inclusion and equity in civic spaces.

Your support will allow me to continue to be a leader in planning and design of communities that are accessible to all.

gofund.me/93c0532c

WE LOVE OUR READERS

500,000 UNIQUE VISITS TO THIS BLOG AND COUNTING

We appreciate the folks who seek out this blog for the latest on:

Town Planning

Universal Design

Urban Travel

Architecture

Policy

Wheelchair Access

Neighborhood Advocacy

Visual Art

2023 was an unprecedented years with keynote speeches, workshops for major clients, university lectures, hundreds of published articles, a major photo exhibit, dozens of podcast appearances and much more.

We chronicled those exploits and more on this blog.

We hope to double the success, as 2024 evolves. 

NEW SINGLE-AISLE AIRPLANES WILL HAVE ACCESSIBLE LAVATORIES

U.S. DOT SECRETARY PETE BUTTIGIEG EXPLAINS THE NEW RULE IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION CORRESPONDENT STEVE WRIGHT

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg noted that DOT has awarded billions of dollars through the bipartisan infrastructure law to modernize airport terminals.

This includes adding wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms. 

He says DOT is laying the groundwork for a potential future rule to address passengers staying in their own wheelchairs when they fly.

Buttigieg knows the ultimate game changer for wheelchair users in our aviation system would be boarding airplanes and other transit modes with the same ease as nondisabled passengers.

“We know it won’t happen overnight. 

We want to be realistic but not patient,” says Buttigieg. 

“We’re making it clear to the aviation industry that’s the direction we need to move in, and we are taking concrete steps toward research development of safety standards. 

And we are ensuring the advocacy community is participating.”

NEW SINGLE-AISLE AIRPLANES WILL HAVE ACCESSIBLE LAVATORIES

U.S. DOT SECRETARY PETE BUTTIGIEG EXPLAINS THE NEW RULE IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION CORRESPONDENT STEVE WRIGHT

DOT is currently working on rules to require better training for airline staff who physically assist passengers with disabilities or handle battery-powered wheelchairs or scooters.

“There’s no question that alongside physical accommodations, there needs to be improvement in the training of staff who work with passengers with disabilities,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says. 

“We see it in terms of dignity and safety.

There are many clear cases where proper training would have made a difference [in avoiding serious injury]. 

We would like to get the notice of proposed rulemaking out this year.” 

NEW SINGLE-AISLE AIRPLANES WILL HAVE ACCESSIBLE LAVATORIES

U.S. DOT SECRETARY PETE BUTTIGIEG EXPLAINS THE NEW RULE IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION CORRESPONDENT STEVE WRIGHT

Alexandra Bennewith, Vice President, Government Relations, speaks passionately about this new rule’s significance for all wheelchair users.

“As new aircraft are ordered and rolled out after 10-12 years, a lot of wheelchair users will no longer have to fear air travel, dehydrate themselves or experience the indignities or humiliation of restricted bathroom use,” she says.

“They will be able to work, visit family and friends or go on that anniversary trip that they have dreamed about for years. 

This is good news to hear today on the 33rd anniversary of the ADA.”

NEW SINGLE-AISLE AIRPLANES WILL HAVE ACCESSIBLE LAVATORIES

U.S. DOT SECRETARY PETE BUTTIGIEG EXPLAINS THE NEW RULE IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION CORRESPONDENT STEVE WRIGHT 

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth are advocates for accessible air travel.

“Our community has advocated tirelessly for the simple human need and right to use an aircraft restroom,” says Alexandra Bennewith, Vice President, Government Relations.

“After almost a decade, our advocates won a final rule, speeding up requirements for larger, more accessible lavatories.”

 

NEW SINGLE-AISLE AIRPLANES WILL HAVE ACCESSIBLE LAVATORIES

U.S. DOT SECRETARY PETE BUTTIGIEG EXPLAINS THE NEW RULE IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION CORRESPONDENT STEVE WRIGHT

The onboard airplane lavatory rule requires the following:

Airlines to make lavatories on new single-aisle aircraft large enough to permit a passenger with a disability and attendant to approach, enter, and maneuver within as necessary to use the aircraft lavatory.

The lavatory to be equivalent in size to two 95th percentile males. 

A 95th percentile male is 6 feet, 2 inches tall and 246 pounds.

NEW SINGLE-AISLE AIRPLANES WILL HAVE ACCESSIBLE LAVATORIES

U.S. DOT SECRETARY PETE BUTTIGIEG EXPLAINS THE NEW RULE IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION CORRESPONDENT STEVE WRIGHT

Last December, DOT awarded nearly $700 million through its All Stations Accessibility Program to retrofit old rail and subway stations, adding elevators, ramps, and other improvements. According to a DOT press release,

“The program, funded through the infrastructure law, is designed to improve the accessibility of transit rail stations so everyone, including people who use wheelchairs, push strollers, or cannot easily navigate stairs, can reliably access the rail systems in their communities.”