THROUGH UNIVERSAL
DESIGN AND INCLUSIVE MOBILITY
For more than three decades – as a
journalist, planner, marketer, educator and activist – I have worked to make
the built environment a better place.
The key has been Universal Design –
making sidewalks, transit, healthcare, education, arts, job centers and housing
accessible to all people of all ages, abilities and incomes.
It was a pleasure to share some of my
thoughts on Universal Design and Inclusive Mobility in civic space, while on
the inaugural DDA block walk this week.
I was privileged to be on the first block walk led by Ralph “Rafael” Rosado, chair of the Miami Downtown Development Authority.
An expert planner, Rosado also serves my District 4 City
of Miami Commissioner.
The walking tour included diverse chats about walkability/urban vibrancy. Honored to chime in about Universal Design and ADA issues.
Thanks to Miami City Commissioner Damian Pardo – whose district covers much of the Central Business District, Brickell and Performing arts areas in the city core -- for graciously listening to my ideas for enhanced access for people with disabilities.
I emphasized that the sidewalk should be maintained during all construction.
Miami currently allows developers to
close sidewalks for years of construction.
For a single round trip, a pedestrian
or wheelchair user must cross dangerous traffic 4 times.
DDA and other leaders understood this
must stop.
Most cities require scaffolding to
keep sidewalks safe and open during development taking place along them.
