UNIVERSAL DESIGN IS THE PATH TO ACHIEVING IT

UNIVERSAL DESIGN IS THE PATH TO ACHIEVING IT

If the sidewalk network and/or transit station (think of hundreds of New York subway stations and Chicago elevated trains without elevators) is not inclusive, a person with a disability may not be able to make it to an essential appointment for a health checkup or treatment.

Urban Design that fails to create inclusive parks and recreation can create social isolation.

Social isolation is one of the biggest contributors to the decline in mental and physical health in senior citizens and people with disabilities.

In most states, the departments of transportation allow just one curbramp at the extreme corner of an intersection.

It does not line up with crosswalk or sidewalk.

This means a person using a wheelchair has to partially roll out into oncoming traffic.

The best practice is a beveled curb ramp covering the entirety of all four corners of an intersection. 

This is another case of minimum ADA compliance NOT being a best practices approach to urban design.

Never design at the bare minimum 1 to 12 grade for accessibility ramps. 

If the builder misses the mark by a little bit, the ramp is too steep. If the ground settles a tad, the ramp may not be safe for people with disabilities.