Accessibility

CLose-up of bottom of lamp post with NY CITY plaque on cobblestone sidewalk in Central Park, New York City.

Central Park Sidewalk Restoration Project Balances Accessibility, Preservation

The original tile and brick sidewalks now pose safety hazards and don’t fully serve modern accessibility and mobility needs.

March 17, 2024 - The New York Times

Close-up of blue and white wheelchair ramp sign with arrow pointing right.

America’s 15 Most Accessible Cities

These cities are the easiest to navigate for people in wheelchairs or with mobility challenges.

March 15, 2024 - Yahoo Finance

Man with sunglasses and cane sits on bus stop shelter bench.

Making Trip Planning Easier for Vision-Impaired Transit Riders

The app provides navigation using audio and haptic cues to improve accessibility for people with low vision.

March 15, 2024 - Next City

A sign for SMART Bus on a pole.

Website Streamlines Michigan Transit Information

The tool is designed to help people with disabilities navigate the state’s complex public transit network.

March 12, 2024 - Second Wave Michigan

Grey concrete curb ramp with small bumps for the visually impaired.

Understanding Accessibility in the Public Right-of-Way

A ‘best practices’ manual guides accessibility on streets and sidewalks, but remains legally unenforceable.

March 5, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

Red painted bike lane next to floating bus stop and green double-decker bus in the UK.

Opinion: ‘Floating’ Bus Stops Endanger Blind Pedestrians

A design that places bike lanes between bus stops and sidewalks complicates mobility for pedestrians, especially people with vision impairments.

February 13, 2024 - The Times Colonist

Close-up of subway station elevator sign.

How Cities Still Fail People With Disabilities

Even when accessibility is taken into account, transit stations and pedestrian infrastructure often still fail to make appropriate accommodations.

February 8, 2024 - The Conversation

Blurred NYC subway train passing by empty platform with yellow strip.

Report: NYC Transit Accessibility Depends on Congestion Pricing Revenue

The ability of the MTA to complete its accessibility upgrades relies on funding from the upcoming congestion pricing program.

January 25, 2024 - NYU Rudin Center for Transportation

Graphic from The Planning Commission podcast with headshot of Steve Wright.

Let's Get Some Things Straight: ADA in America

The Planning Commission Podcast: Exploring Universal Design

January 23, 2024 - The Planning Commission Podcast

Aerial view of three men using track chair mobility devices on lake beach in Michigan state park.

Michigan State Parks Make Headway on Accessibility

Among other efforts, the state parks system leads the nation in the number of track chairs, a mobility device designed to help people with mobility issues enjoy park trails and beaches.

January 2, 2024 - The Manchester Mirror

Senior couple sitting on sofa looking at laptop computer held in the man's lap.

Report Highlights Housing Insecurity Among Seniors

Older Americans face rising mortgage debt, high costs for medical care and assistance, and a dearth of accessible housing.

December 27, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Man in wheelchair exiting public bus on ramp while operator waits outside in Houston, Texas.

Houston Makes ADA Upgrades to 5,000 Bus Stops

The project is part of a larger plan to make all of the region’s bus stops universally accessible.

December 26, 2023 - Mass Transit

Man using cane for visual impairment waiting to board subway train on platform.

How Car Dependency Impacts People With Disabilities

People who are physically unable to drive can benefit from effective public transit systems and accessible, mixed-use neighborhoods.

December 21, 2023 - Salon

Green Detroit public transit electric bus with high-rise modenr building in background.

$817 Million Safe Streets Grants Include $25M for Detroit

The city plans to use the funds to make safety and accessibility improvements at bus stops.

December 19, 2023 - WDET

Green subway station entrance kiosk with brick buildings in background.

FTA Announces Accessibility Funding for ‘Legacy Stations’

The 2024 budget includes close to $350 million for accessibility improvements at transit stations.

December 4, 2023 - Federal Transit Administration

Close-up of hand reading Braille sign at bus stop in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Braille Signage Now at All Vancouver Bus Stops

The city completed installation of signage for people with visual impairments at over 8,000 bus stops.

December 1, 2023 - Mass Transit

Close-up of accessible stop button on public bus.

Phoenix Transit Riders Face Accessibility Challenges

Disability advocates want the city’s transit agencies to expand the scope of their accessibility efforts to include a broader range of needs.

November 26, 2023 - AZ Big Media

Ground-up view of man using wheelchair waiting to board a light blue bus.

Commentary: Avoiding Ableism in 15-Minute Cities

One author calls on planners to challenge assumptions that exclude people with mobility challenges and other disabilities.

November 21, 2023 - The Conversation

Sign showing accessible hiking trail sign with blurred forest in background.

How States Are Improving Accessibility for Parks and Trails

State parks are introducing adaptive mobility devices to help more visitors enjoy natural spaces.

November 21, 2023 - Governing

Elderly woman in pink shirt sitting at table on porch across from elderly man in white shirt. A pot of pink flowers sits on the table.

How Zoning Reform can Help Seniors ‘Age in Place’

Without more middle housing options, the United States will be short on ‘aging-ready’ homes.

November 8, 2023 - Stateline

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