MARK BOOKMAN’S DISABILITY ADVOCACY AND RESEARCH LIVES

DISABILITY PUBLICS-MAKING ACCESSIBILITY IN MODERN JAPAN

The late Mark Bookman's disability forward work will live forever.

Oxford University Press published his Disability Publics--Making Accessibility in Modern Japan.

I was honored to appear as a Universal Design expert in the documentary “Mark - A Call to Action"

Created by award-winning filmmaker Ron Small, the 90 minute feature film is both a lesson in progressive disability advocacy as well as an energizing father son love story.

Mark thrived in Japan because of an incredibly supportive and loving family.

I have met his wonderful family.

I hope they are comforted in the knowledge that though his life was short -- his brilliance will help people with disabilities for an eternity. 

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/disability-publics-9780198979739?cc=us&lang=en&

“MARK - A CALL TO ACTION” RELEASES GLOBALLY ON OCTOBER 8

I AM HONORED TO APPEAR IN THE DOCUMENTARY AS A GLOBAL DISABILITY ADVOCATE AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN EXPERT CONSULTANT

The documentary, by an award-wining team, premiered in Japan in February.

I was gratified to attend in Tokyo.

On October 8, it releases via Digital, Streaming, Satellite – even DVD.

“Mark – A Call to Action” is the story of Dr. Mark Bookman, a severely disabled Pennsylvania-born American who later resided in Tokyo full-time, becoming one of Japan’s leading experts on accessibility, and a policy consultant to governments and major corporations around the world.

His tireless efforts helped raise awareness and positively impacted the lives of not only disabled persons, but also children, seniors and vulnerable populations in the United States, Japan and many other nations.

For more information, visit:

https://www.soundviewmediapartners.com/mark-a-call-to-action/

For a review, see this image:

HONORING A LEGACY WHILE LEARNING FROM JAPAN

MARK BOOKMAN AND THE 34^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADA

It is fascinating that Japan does not have underlying legislation as strong as the ADA, but it has better access to essential public transit.

The lesson is that the ADA is a strong foundation, but true inclusion is only realized through a commitment to universal design.

We celebrated the ADA anniversary in July, but must realize we all have a responsibility to create a world where the built environment is accessible to people with disabilities.

This commitment, which pays huge dividends for society as a whole, is especially imperative on architects, planners, mobility engineers, builders, employers and government.

Let's make the world accessible to everyone.

To watch the trailer and learn more about GLIDE Fund -- a nonprofit in Mark Bookman’s honor “established to provide financial assistance to disabled students interested in education exchange experiences to foster an inclusive society in which anyone can lead an independent and self-determined life.” – visit:

https://www.glidefund.org/documentary

HONORING A LEGACY WHILE LEARNING FROM JAPAN

MARK BOOKMAN AND THE 34^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADA

The other huge takeaway -- from my trip to Tokyo to attend the world premiere of “Mark – A Call To Action” -- was the super clean and accessible public restrooms.

Even the largest commuter train stations in America often lack restrooms and when they have them, they are filthy and often ill-equipped for people with disabilities.

Virtually every restroom area had a men’s, women’s and unisex/accessible restroom.

The accessible ones were huge – and featured easy to toggle levers, located low toward wheelchair height, for locking the stall for privacy.

Some even had automatic door openers and closers and a good number featured adult changing stations.

Equally clean, well-maintained and fabulously-accessible free public restrooms are everywhere – at parks, by bridges, even in narrow old alleys famed for tiny shops serving ramen and Japanese beer.

 

HONORING A LEGACY WHILE LEARNING FROM JAPAN

MARK BOOKMAN AND THE 34^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADA

In addition to his academic work, Mark Bookman collaborated with public sector and private sector clients in Japan and the United States. 

He spoke at numerous conferences, underscoring that everyone is aging and many will experience some kind of disability.

Bookman created a legacy of teaching the intrinsic value of disability inclusion.

His dissertation on inclusion is being published by the prestigious Oxford University Press, for release in 2025. 

Because I travel the world speaking about accessibility I want to share some observations about Tokyo – where I explored access for two weeks while participating in the world premiere of “Mark – A Call To Action.”

Tokyo, a highly populated city, that is spread over an enormous space -- could not exist without its always on time, can get you to everywhere, network of subways and above ground trains.

Most essential stations have elevators to get wheelchair users up or down to boarding platforms. They also have outstanding wayfinding to point the way to these. I tried 100-plus elevators – 100 percent of them worked.

When I visit New York, a terribly high percentage of access elevators are out of service.

HONORING A LEGACY WHILE LEARNING FROM JAPAN

MARK BOOKMAN AND THE 34^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADA

My trip to Tokyo to attend the world premiere of “Mark – A Call To Action” allowed me to:

Honor a great disability advocate who died much too soon.

Further the documentary subject’s legacy of inclusion.

Learn about a terrific leadership program for people with disabilities.

Marvel at clean, efficient and large accessible public restrooms.

Mark Bookman, PhD, Tokyo College postdoctoral fellow and historian of disability policy and connected social movements in Japan, made an everlasting impact on disability inclusion.

In late 2022, he died at age 31.

Bookman had a rare variant of a metabolic-genetic condition. 

It is not Muscular Dystrophy but has similar impacts on the body. 

He had a heart transplant at age 10 and used a wheelchair for mobility most of his adult life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

HONORING A LEGACY WHILE LEARNING FROM JAPAN

MARK BOOKMAN AND THE 34^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADA

I am honored to appear in the film “Mark – A Call To Action” as a Universal Design expert, focused on creating a better built environment for people with disabilities.

Japan has made some monumental strides toward inclusion, but like every place, still has much (far too many shops and restaurants – even in brand new spaces – require steps to enter) left to accomplish.

In the U.S., we celebrated the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26th.

It was very interesting to see how a nation that does not have underlying legislation as strong as the ADA commits so strongly to accessible public transit and inclusive public restrooms.

HONORING A LEGACY WHILE LEARNING FROM JAPAN

MARK BOOKMAN AND THE 34^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADA

I recently traveled to Tokyo to assist with the world premiere of the disability-positive film: “Mark – A Call To Action.”

It’s a documentary that follows the brief but brilliant life of Mark Bookman, PhD, -- Fullbright scholar, disability inclusion researcher and Tokyo College postdoctoral fellow.

The 90-minute feature tells a father-son love story as Bookman’s father Paul works to find an elusive diagnosis then supports his brilliant son through a heart transplant, transition to using a wheelchair and adapting to life as a scholar-leader halfway around the world.

It depicts Mark Bookman’s rise to working with the International Paralympic Committee and United Nations, influencing policy via commentaries published in The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Japan Times and a prestigious academic opportunity in Kyoto.

U.S. PREMIER OF DISABILITY POSTIVE DOCUMENTARY

I’M HONORED TO BE IN THE FILM: “MARK – A CALL TO ACTION” 

I'm proud to share details of U.S. premiere of the documentary that features me as our nation's preeminent Universal Design expert. 

Mark--A Call to Action debuts June 19 at Bryn Mawr Film Institute. 

Every mayor, planner, architect, engineer & urban designer can learn from this film.

It is NOT simply a disability film.

It is about what great things a person with a severe disability can achieve -- when the built environment is inclusive.

Director Ron Small's film chronicles the life and work of scholar/activist Dr. Mark Bookman, who improved the lives of disabled people from the U.S. to Japan.

The late Bookman created a legacy that inspires others to plan for and create a world where no one is left behind.

https://tinyurl.com/4vjyeb2z

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

HUMBLED TO WORK WITH PBS DIRECTOR

ON DISABILITY VISIBILITY STORYTELLING

Humbled to work with PBS director + film crew on documentary about the late disability inclusion leader Mark Bookman.

I was interviewed for an hour today about Universal Design and my thoughts on the Americans with Disabilities Act that turns 33 this year.

It was gratifying to work with Emmy winning Director Ron Small.

He produced and directed I Danced for the Angel of Death - The Dr. Edith Eva Eger Story.

My work with him is airing this year.

I discussed the groundbreaking Universal Design course I created for graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Miami School of Architecture during my PBS hour plus interview.

The CDC has documented that one in four adults has some kind of disability.

Design for all is mainstream.