PLANNING MUST BECOME MORE INCLUSIVE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

PLANNERS MUST USE THE WEALTH OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO ENSURE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ARE INVOLVED IN DESIGN THAT CAN EMPOWER OR HINDER THEIR MOBILITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE

While celebrating the ADA's 31st anniversary, I was asked what planners can do to design more inclusively. 

Go to the source.

Involve those who use wheelchairs for mobility in your outreach, design and implementation.

It is presumptive and foolish to do otherwise.

No one would plan for a Hispanic-majority neighborhood without immersing in the community with Spanish-speaking planning team members. 

Why would people who have no idea what is needed to remove barriers -- redesign a complete street without involving experts with disabilities?

Cities rural and urban have Centers for Independent Living -- with expert members.

United Spinal Association has chapters across the nation.

It isn't hard to get input from people with disabilities.

Most Counties and Cities have ADA coordinators or mayor's office for people with disabilities. 

Colleges and universities have disabled student services offices. 

If you are not finding resources for input from a wide range of people with disabilities, you are not trying.