True Accessibility and Universal Design

We have collectively spent billions on curb cuts, accessible pedestrian signals, elevators, level boarding and other transformative solutions. But for many people with disabilities, a big remaining barrier is navigating to and within the pedestrian environment – locating the transit stop, finding the escalator, using the kiosk or boarding the right train. Knowing how to start moving or when you’ve arrived can be the difference between comfortably navigating a complex transit area or staying home or getting stuck on more costly and less desirable paratransit. There are new wayfinding technologies in the tool box. Let’s explore their advantages and financial implications along with strategies for addressing challenges such as a digital divide that could dictate who has access.

Ron Brooks, Founder / Chief Executive Officer, Accessible Avenue, Phoenix, AZ
Sarine Sahakian, Senior Urban Designer & Project Manager, evolve environment::architecture, Pittsburgh, PA