ACCESSIBLE CITIES IN THE ERA OF COVID-19
Our whole world changed when COVID-19 arrived. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve all taken advantage of already accessible infrastructure, and we’ve seen other infrastructure reimagined. Let’s ensure that as pandemic restrictions ease, we carry forward some valuable lessons learned in accessibility.
Accessible infrastructure has never been more important. In difficult times such as these, the barriers to staying safe and healthy are amplified. Many are sharing that their daily walk outside is keeping them sane during this time of self-isolation. Without sloped curbs and other accessibility features, this release would be denied to many people with mobility issues.
We need to call out difficulties and barriers such as these. But not just during a pandemic, when society as a whole is more health-conscious. For people with disabilities, these recent barriers just add to the ones they must deal with every day. So, their perspectives and insights are critical to the designers of cities, buildings, walkways, and other public spaces. Someone not familiar with accessibility needs may see no reason to widen a grocery store aisle. But a person with a mobility disability can explain the need – now and even before COVID-19.
It is incredibly important to consult people with disabilities not only during the design process, but also as concerns arise. And making public spaces more accessible doesn’t just help people with disabilities — it helps everyone.
ACCESSIBLE POLICY: THE CURB CUT EFFECT
The concept that making cities more accessible helps everyone is called the Curb Cut Effect. Named after the introduction of curb cuts, the sloped edge of curbs on public walkways and sidewalks, the Effect describes what happened in American cities after the Americans with Disabilities Act was written into effect in 1990. The Act mandated that all spaces must be accessible, including curbs. Seen as a landmark initiative at the time, disability advocates had been fighting for curb cuts for decades before the change was made universal.
With the new changes to curbs, far more people than just those in wheelchairs began to use the curb cuts! Studies describe parents with strollers, workers with trolleys, runners, bikers, and children choosing to use curb cuts because of the wide range of benefits not even considered when the Act was written into law.
We see the Curb Cut Effect all across the world as cities aim to make spaces more accessible. Think of the wheelchair-accessible elevators that are wide enough for wheelchairs or automated scooters, but that also help delivery workers with heavy items avoid climbing the stairs. Or, the automated walkways in airports between terminals that assist both those who cannot walk long distances and tired travelers who want a break in their long trek between gates.
THE 'NEW NORMAL'
During the height of COVID-19, think of all of the things that were taken for granted — automatic doors at grocery stores, remote working and video-conferencing, home delivery of food and medication. People with disabilities have fought for each feature that flattens the curve while maintaining some semblance of normal everyday life. The accessible infrastructure through which citizens can move about a city safely and healthily during a pandemic exist because people with disabilities cannot function without them. It is especially necessary to recognize the work and effort of past innovators to create today’s comforts and necessities.
What if society let this be a time of reflection on all of the ways cities and public spaces could be improved? For people with disabilities, and for those trying to keep safe during COVID-19. Perhaps we would notice things for which the disabled community has been advocating for quite some time. Maybe we would become aware of the attention to detail needed to make a city or space truly accessible. Next time you’re out at the store, or going for a walk around your neighbourhood, stop and reflect. How would the experience be for someone with a disability? And how could you help advocate for more-accessible spaces?
Do you have an idea about how your home community could improve accessibility for all? Reach out – we’d love to hear about it!
