MY BLOG GETS 12,000 TO 15,000

DAILY READERS

I learned journalism at the storied Akron Beacon Journal.

Its daily print circulation is below 22,000.

It’s not an apples to apples comparison -- but I am proud to be getting so many readers.

My blog focuses on building a better environment for people with disabilities, placemaking and urban photography.

It began more than a decade ago and has had nearly 1.5 million unique visitors.

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.

A MEANINGFUL NEW ENDEAVOR FOR A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

PROUD TO BE OF COUNSEL TO AWARD-WINNING IDENTITY PR

Mark Winter has been a friend for a quarter century.

I met him when I covered growth, development and urban affairs for the Columbus Dispatch.

Mark, then the small startup -- Identity PR -- boldly won the public relations contract for the acclaimed Nationwide Arena District in the heart of Columbus, Ohio.

Fast forward and Identity has more than 30 employees, a nationwide practice that has won numerous awards and a presence in Miami.

Mark Winter, President and Founding Partner, Identity PR

My roots in Miami go back a quarter century.

I have teamed with Mark Winter of Identity PR to provide full services to businesses involved in real estate/development, design, finance and related fields.

I’m Identity’s man in Miami.

But it’s much more than that. I will be working with nonprofits making the world a better place.

I will be providing content and expertise in Universal Design, Aging in Place and design that makes life easier and more inclusive for all.

Steve Wright -- after a pre-dawn run -- Miami Beach

My of counsel role means I still will be working as a planner, educator, writer and activist within the planning, architecture, design and disability communities.

It also will allow me to continue to carve out time for my growing career as a widely exhibited, acclaimed photographer/visual artist.

Take a moment this week to visit: www.identitypr.com

Then reach out to me and we can set up a Zoom to see how we can help your business leave a mark.

 

MARK, A CALL TO ACTION

A DOCUMENTARY ON DISABILITY AND INCLUSION

Mark Bookman

Proud to be a part of Ron Small's pitch perfect documentary on disability inclusion and Mark Bookman's life well lived.

The 90-minute full feature debuts in early 2024.

I appear on camera talking about Universal Design and its benefits.

I hope to travel to Tokyo for the premier.

Mark, A Call to Action - The Glide Fund.

Here’s a short clip (I’m not in it, but it sets the scene for great storytelling)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49tk8fKAJxo&t=253s

Ron Small

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING EXPERTISE FROM A LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS

TEAMED WITH A HALL OF FAMER.

My roots in Miami go back a quarter century.

I have teamed with Mark Winter of Identity PR to provide full services to businesses involved in real estate/development, design, finance and making the world a better place.

We also help leading and local nonprofits. 

Mark has done so much as a professional and member of his community in my native Midwest, that he recently was inducted into the Public Relations Hall of Fame.

Take a moment this week to visit www.identitypr.com

Then reach out to me and we can set up a Zoom to see how we can help your business leave a mark. 

MORE THAN 400,000 READERS!

I LOVE SHARING MY WORDS AND IMAGES 

WHILE WE PURSUE HAPPINESS

This month, my blog passed more than 400,000 unique visitors.

It has been around for nearly a decade.

I try to post daily.

Nearly 4,000 blog posts have been published here.

More than 3,000 original images – from across the United States, South America, Central America, Europe, Africa and Asia have been shared here.

I have posted collaborations created for the National Association of REALTORS, United Spinal Association, Wood Communications, Global Disability Inclusion, Barlington Group, Equitable Cities, Curtis + Rogers Design and many other partners.

About half of my posts have to do with Universal Design and advocacy for people with disabilities.

Many share best practices for urban design, town planning, architecture, transit, mobility and related placemaking.

Stay tuned, we will be well over 400,000 readers before the year is out.

SO PROUD TO USE MY COMMUNICATION SKILLS

 TO TELL DISABILITY POSITIVE STORIES

I put on my public relations hat and l reached out to friends at WSVN to pitch the story of Rhonel Cinous' virtual flight to the moon.

Reporter Kevin Ozebek delivered a pitch perfect story

I hope everyone -- from space exploration fans to those who champion equity and inclusion for people with disabilities – will share this story.

Rhonel's work with the Artemis1 crew for NASA was made possible by the amazing folks at the United Spinal Association.

Brilliant Chief Marketing Officer Tom Scott led this.

United Spinal's leadership by CEO Vincenzo Piscopo is opening new horizons for people with disabilities.

I’m proud to work with a client as successful at United Spinal.

Here’s the story:

https://wsvn.com/news/7spotlight/south-florida-man-left-disabled-after-accident-offered-opportunity-to-work-with-nasa/amp/

I TURNED 58 YESTERDAY

I HOPE I HAVE MADE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

The year ahead will be one of difficult and challenging transition.

Details about major changes will be shared in early 2023.

I always try to write a blog post tied to my birthday, something different than the other 364 posts of the year.

I have long contemplated writing my own obituary.

I have pre-written obits of well-known people when I was a journalist.

It’s common practice to have them at the ready with a significant person is very old or ill.

But I keep thinking if I post it, maybe someone will think I’ve expired, am about to or am in the mood to expedite the journey to the other side.

Not the case on all counts.

So how to do a bit of an I love me post without crafting my own obituary in paragraph structure.

Well, how about bullet points.

To date, 40 years living as an adult, I have: 

1.     Completed projects in some of the greatest cities of the world

2.     Traveled – solo and together – to even more of the best cities on earth

3.     Written a one-of-kind special section on one of Columbus, Ohio’s poorest hardscrabble neighborhoods

4.     Won major awards for my journalism

5.     Been my editor’s nominee for the Pulitzer Prize

6.     Had my work published in more than 100 newspapers and magazines

7.     Posted daily to a blog for nearly a decade

8.     Produced cover stories on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility

9.     Produced center-spread major feature articles on urban design, planning, architecture, engineering, mobility, sustainability, housing and growth

10. Ghost written trade journal article and op-ed pieces for clients

11. Spoken in the grand ballroom at the American Planning Association national conference

12. Given a key lecture in Paris at the International Making Cities Livable global gathering

13. Spoken about Universal Design in planning at the APA Florida statewide conference

14. Written a winning proposal for presentation at the American Institute of Architects national conference

15. Written an award submission that won the APA’s highest nationwide honor for a client

16. Been on planning teams recognized with APA statewide and regional awards

17. Led the communications for an urban design studio that more than doubled in size during my tenure

18. Led marketing for a globally honored international architecture firm

19. Led business development for a legacy engineering firm that expanded its walkability and multimodal practice

20. Served as the senior policy advisor to the chair of the Miami City Commission – within three years of moving from Ohio

21. Wrote the legislation for affordable homeownership in Little Havana

22. Contributed to a project that created a pedestrian walkway connecting Miami’s greats historic main streets – Calle Ocho and Coral Way

23. Served as point person for the elected official who cast the deciding vote to adopt Miami 21, the first citywide form-based code in America

24. Created a groundbreaking Universal Design course for the undergraduate and graduate levels

25. Taught the revolutionary Universal Design course at a top 10 school of architecture

26. Contributed writing and research to the largest trade association in America for two decades

27. Contributed content to the nation’s largest non-profit for people with spinal cord injuries for 20-plus years

28. Advised world leaders on how to improve housing, transit, workplaces, parks, services and daily living for people with disabilities

29. Advised corporations on diversity, equity and inclusion – through the lens of disability advocacy

That’s 29, half of 58.

I’d like to think there are 29 more great accomplishments, but there’s no need to keep writing.

I thank those who read this essay to completion.

PROUD TO ANNOUNCE I AM A GLOBAL CORRESPONDENT

FOR PEDESTRIAN SPACE

Pedestrian Space is a media and advocacy project established to document & explore walkability as a central aspect of sustainable urbanism.

My world and national travels have kept me busy, but I will soon be contributing blog posts, photo essays and other insights to the Pedestrian Space team.

My bio states:

Steve Wright has four decades of experience in urban design, planning, architecture, mobility, sustainability and universal design.

He co-created a groundbreaking universal design course at the University of Miami School of Architecture.

His award-winning reporting frequently appears in Planning magazine and he has presented nationally and internationally.

This link leads to the Pedestrian Space correspondents list.

As it is alphabetical, I'm at the bottom.

Check out the rest of the site, it's got great advocacy storytelling -- in an easy to read, not overly technical form:

https://pedestrianspace.org/global-walkability-correspondents/

GRATIFIED TO BE A FEATURED SPEAKER -- ON UNIVERSAL DESIGN

AT THE AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION 

DELAWARE CHAPTER ANNUAL CONFERENCE

My program, with colleagues David Haight and Wiatt Bowers of Atkins, is No Person Left Behind – Truly Inclusive Design.

We presented a similar program – on Universal Design and a better built environment for people with disabilities – in the grand ballroom at the APA national conference in San Diego this spring.

We also highlighted these issues at the Florida APA conference in 2021.

I spoke about how Universal Design is the most inclusive, durable, flexible, sustainable and cost-effective approach to design and design policy – at the International Making Cities Livable Conference in Paris this year.

My award-winning reporting frequently appears in Planning magazine.

My storytelling has advised dozens of clients on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility – with a focus on creating a better built environment for people with disabilities.

In addition to keynote and major speeches, I share my passion for design for all via the groundbreaking Universal Design course that I created and teach at a major school of architecture.

IF THE PANDEMIC IS SLOWING DOWN YOUR BUSINESS

SHARE YOUR TALENT WITH THE COMMUNITY

I have donated $10,000 in professional time, writing about the 30^th Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

I have contributed more than one dozen feature stories and prominent opinion pieces to an array of print and online publications.

The major stories have explored the ADA’s impact on urban design, town planning, architecture, transport engineering, sustainability, landscape architecture, mobility and public policy.

Images and ideas have been shared on universal design, inclusive mobility, aging in place, barrier-removal, resiliency, funding and how journalists cover (or ignore) the ADA and people with disabilities.

I have turned a slowdown of 15% to 20% in billings into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share my knowledge via my flare for storytelling.

Statistics say one in four people reading this is completely unemployed because of COVID19.

Easily half the households checking out this blog have been impacted by decreased hours, lowered pay rates and other financial hits caused by closures/lockdowns.

Lockdowns we must all support – because we don’t want our families dying due to virus spread.

I know pro bono work doesn’t pay the bills, but it keeps you active.

It keeps you engaged in what you do best.

It allows for creativity to flow instead of depression creeping in.

So whatever you do – whether it’s building houses for neighborhood cats awaiting rescue/adoption, drawing up plans for wheelchair-accessible house additions or creating coloring books that portray diverse people – fill your vacant hours with this work.

Your work product may be so impressive that it even serves as a marketing tool – drawing more clients to your business or attracting a new employer that offers an exciting fresh job opportunity.

Here are some of the stories I have published via my passionate pro bono storytelling:

https://urbantravelandaccessibility.blogspot.com/2020/07/2021-city-county-and-state-budgets-must.html

https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/the-ada-is-turning-30-but-the-built-environment-is-still-far-from-inclusiv/581563/

https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2020/6/1/when-inclusive-isnt?rq=steve%20wright

https://www.newmobility.com/2020/07/the-ada-enforcers/

https://www.newmobility.com/2020/02/guide-to-local-advocacy/

https://medium.com/@stevewright_57150/the-americans-with-disabilities-act-at-30-its-a-major-news-story-6ab3efe5a332?source=friends_link&sk=1f9cb61f1c3bcbe6239f377511261119

EXPERT COMMUNICATOR

TRUSTED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS AND DOZENS OF SUCCESSFUL PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR CLIENTS

On assignment in Egypt: March 2020

When the 1.3 million-member National Association of Realtors needed an expert writer to cover the COVID crisis from multiple angles for its prestigious On Common Ground smart growth-urban affairs magazine, it reached out to one person.

Steve Wright, Pulitzer-nominated, award-winning writer with 35 years’ experience writing about how cities work, was called on to do the near impossible: interview more than three dozen sources across the nation in barely a week’s time.

He then created the nation’s first comprehensive article on best practices for Business Improvement Districts, Main Streets, Downtown Development Authorities and other agencies charged with saving small businesses while keeping customers safe in the time of pandemic.

Wright not only created a pair of timely stories in fewer than 10 business days, he also gathered glossy magazine images – when servers were down and sources were working remotely – to vividly illustrate his storytelling.

Wrights’ frontline reporting on both urban small businesses and Coronavirus crisis procedures for commercial and residential realtors accounted for more than 40 percent of the text in the entire magazine contributed to by several journalists and published in record turnaround time.

To read the stories and get an understanding of the power of Wright’s writing and marketing communications capabilities, follow this link: 

https://tinyurl.com/yd2xocwd

To talk about how his unique storytelling skills can tell your firm’s story in the most challenging of times, phone Steve direct at 305 776-3231. Or email him at: 
stevewright64@yahoo.com

Storytelling for clients from Biscayne Bay to the banks of the Nile

ARE YOU DOING BY THE NUMBERS MARKETING?

WHEN YOU REALLY NEED A STORYTELLER/VISUAL ARTIST?

I am a Pulitzer-nominated, award-winning storyteller.

I have expertise in urban design, architecture, mobility, landscape architecture, town planning, universal design, real estate development, inclusive design, hospitality, main streets, complete streets and sustainable design.

I do marketing, business development and communications. But I don't do it by a set routine.

I work with your team and learn how to put people (not boring numbers, things and objects) at the heart of your studio's storytelling.

I have the soul of an artist. I post fine art photography 365 days per year on five social media platforms.

My standing as an artist has been validated by many gallery shows and recent inclusion in an international project that will evolve through 2020 and beyond.

I am Proud to be Part of the Saudades Poetry/ Photography/ Short Stories/ Painting/ Song Lyrics Anthology.

Let's talk about how I can supplement your staff while boosting your marketing with vivid storytelling.  Call me at 305 776-3231   email: stevewright64@yahoo.com

https://preview.tinyurl.com/teab8nf

I TURN 55 TODAY

TIME FOR A LITTLE REINVENTION

When I graduated from Kent State University Journalism School in 1987, I figured I’d land a job at a major daily newspaper as a reporter and spend the next half century writing about important issues that impact my community.

Then in 2000, we decided to move to Miami and I became a public servant, working nearly a decade as the senior policy advisor to the Chairman of the Miami City Commission.

Next came an opportunity to work in marketing communications for top Magic City firms that specialized in Urban Design, Town Planning, Architecture and Mobility Engineering.

My three-plus decades of award-winning work has had two common themes: storytelling and making the world a better place to live.

So my goal is to spend the next decade or more of my life working as a storyteller for non-profit, for profit, academic and community-based businesses and organizations that help people.

While I expect to still do a lot of storytelling for planners, designers and those who improve our built environment, I also want to focus on helping groups and individuals that fight for the rights of people with disabilities.

My expertise in Universal Design, Inclusive Mobility and Caregiving is a perfect match to working toward true social equity for the one billion people with disabilities worldwide.

I also would like to assist – with grant writing, newsletter creation, website content and other storytelling for organizations that advocate for animal rights and welfare – especially cats.

A rescue cat adopted us nearly six years ago and our lives have been joyful and complete since we became guardians of HoneyBear the Siamese rescue cat.

I am excited about the opportunities.