A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

In a piece in Greater Good Magazine, Mohsen Rasoulivalajoozi and Carmela Cucuzzella outline ways that cities can make urban spaces more inclusive for people with disabilities and mobility challenges.
According to the authors, “To create truly inclusive cities, it is vital for policymakers and experts to go beyond minimum standards and critically examine how our urban spaces continue to exclude people with disabilities.”
Some people who require mobility devices face a financial burden in getting safe, well-fitting, and effective equipment. This can create a mismatch between users and mobility aids, which may also not match the environment people must navigate on a daily basis. “However, integrating new technologies requires careful consideration, as assistive devices can also attract social stigma.”
The authors also point to trust as a key factor in whether people want to use mobility aids or facilities designed to improve accessibility, as well as the importance of sociocultural contexts in how people navigate their environment and use mobility aids. “By addressing negative representations and promoting designs that reflect dignity and inclusivity, interventions can align with inclusivity goals and enhance positive social engagement.”
FULL STORY: Four Ways Cities Could Be More Inclusive for Mobility Challenges

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico
An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes
Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels
Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions