WHY BUSES CAN’T GET WHEELCHAIR USERS TO MOST AREAS OF CITIES

STUDY IN COLUMBUS FINDS LACK OF SIDEWALKS HAMPERS MOBILITY

A landmark study published by Ohio State University researchers in the Journal of Transport Geography in the second quarter of 2023 states that only one percent of Columbus, Ohio is accessible to transit riders who use manual wheelchairs for mobility.

The number increases to only 25 percent for those who can afford power wheelchairs. 

The groundbreaking study showed the broken, missing and obstructed sidewalks, inaccessible buildings and other barriers meant the vast majority of the city is off-limits to people with mobility disabilities.

Researchers noted that Columbus is typical of most large cities and that the same isolating, segregating and unhealthy built environment exists in most. 

If one sidewalk was broken, missing, too narrow, too tilted or even blocked by a parked car – the person with a disability’s pathway is 100 percent denied.

When those using wheelchairs, scooters, crutches, canes and other assistive mobility devices perpetually hit a barrier, they must detour for blocks to reach their destination. Being tardy to class too often  can result in a terrible grade for a  great student. 

Constantly being late for work has negative results ranging from being denied promotions to getting fired.

This report should be front page news in every newspaper in America.

https://news.osu.edu/why-buses-cant-get-wheelchair-users-to-most-areas-of-cities/

DISABILITY VISABILITY

IT’S A THING

Multiple U.S.  federal agencies have documented that one in four persons in America has some type of disability.

Never have so many tens of millions been so invisible.

“I never see anybody in those accessible parking spaces”

“We shouldn’t do away with steps into a building for a special interest.”

“Why should we make our restaurant/shop accessible to a tiny fraction of people?”

I’ve heard these and far worse 10,000 times and counting.

All are wrong headed and mean spirited.

First off, people with disabilities and their families represent one of the biggest buying power blocs in the nation.

Second, why are people who would NEVER dismiss the rights and validation of people of a race/religion/gender/orientation different from their own – be so willing to be totally dismissive of people with disabilities and trample their rights?

I don’t know the answer, but I think its’ because for some common character flaw in the non-disabled, people with disabilities are all but invisible.

That why, this year I’m going to publish lots of images of people with disabilities immersed in everyday city life.

It will prove the need for wheelchair access for subways, parks, restaurants, offices, universities, buses, sidewalks and everything else everyday people immerse themselves in.