The Importance of Accessibility

The intersectionality of aging and disability is an important aspect to understand.  It is often said what makes a community better for an older adult, makes it better for everyone: a mom with a stroller, someone that is on crutches for an injury, someone that uses a wheelchair, etc..

Building an accessible product : our journey so far

Check out this issue brief from AARP regarding the Social Determinants of Health and the Aging Population . Many aspects of aging in place and feeling socially connected are tied to the accessibility of our built environments and outside spaces. After reading the brief, think about your own neighborhood and the positive and negative ways the built environment impacts your neighbors and diverse community members.

Watch this Ted Talk with Laura Poskin on “Reimaging Communities for All Ages.”

 

Click on the photo below to listen to a podcast and learn more about the history of the movements that helped ensure accessibility in our communities for all people:

99% Invisible Podcast “Curb Cuts”

Finally, please take time to listen to Meghan Hussey talk about designing a disability-friendly future in the below TedTalk:

Meghan notes that over 1 billion people in the world live with some form of disability, but live in a built environment that systematically excludes them. Everyone plays a part and we need to listen- actually listen- to individuals with disabilities about their lived experiences and make changes to ensure we are being inclusive of ALL. Meghan notes the importance of laws and policy not just being created, but actually implemented where everyone is actively supporting individuals with disabilities in their community. This should include looking at the diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies of organizations and find where we can all do better.

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