WalletHub recently released the "2014 Best & Worst Cities for People with Disabilities" to highlight the economic power of providing employment opportunities and livable communities for people with special needs.
A post by Richie Bernardo details the study, beginning with an explanation of how people with special needs have different considerations when it comes to the livability of their communities: "Factors such as the accessibility of various facilities, the quality of health care and even the cleanliness of the air can take precedence." Moreover: "The availability of such elements allows them to play an important role in the community and make significant contributions to the economy."
To complete the rankings for the study, WalletHub "analyzed the 150 most populated cities across 23 key metrics, ranging from the number of physicians per capita to the rate of employed people with disabilities to park accessibility." Overland Park, Kansas came out on top, while the country's largest cities could have done better. San Antonio came in at 52, San Francisco at 55, and New York City came in ay 102.
H/T to KPCC, which shared news of WalletHub's study by focusing on Los Angeles' poor showing on the rankings (coming in a 142, just behind Chicago and just before Reno).
FULL STORY: 2014′s Best & Worst Cities for People with Disabilities
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Saturday Satire: The Accessibility Meeting Is Located Down Three Flights of Stairs
A satirical piece published by McSweeney's calls attention to the remaining work to done in building a truly accessible built environment.
Portland's Biketown to Include 'Adaptive Bikes' to Ensure Universal Access
The city of Portland is wearing the Yellow Jersey on equity issues connected to the Biketown bikeshare system.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie