Advocating for Environmental Accessibility for People with Visual Impairments: A Guide for Change
Step 1: Understanding the Key Resources - ADA & MUTCD
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) are two essential pieces of information if you are advocating accessible environments. The "shall" in design refers to the legally mandated accessibility standards for public areas set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While MUTCD provides traffic engineers with guidelines, or the "should" in design, encouraged but not always enforced.
Why is this important?
While MUTCD can leave certain holes in practical application, the ADA guarantees baseline accessibility. Being aware of these differences gives you the ability to effectively advocate for changes and close gaps. Let's look at some practical steps you can perform at every level of advocacy.
Step 2: Local Advocacy – Take Action in Your Community
Make it matter, even if you start small! Making connections with local authorities and reporting concerns where they occur are the foundations of local advocacy. To begin, follow these steps:
Use the 311 App or Hotline: Download the 311 app or save the hotline number to your phone if your city provides it. The 311 app makes it simple to report accessibility or traffic problems, creating an official record that often results in expedited response from local authorities.
Speak with Local Organizations and City Traffic Engineers: Make a connection to the traffic engineering office in your city. Attend city planning seminars and be aware of the pedestrian laws in your area. Building relationships positions you as an advocate for environmental accessibility in addition to increasing awareness.
Take Pictures of Hazards and Follow Up: Document any inaccessible intersections or hazards you see, and then follow up your complaint. This supports your justification for changes and helps build a documented record.
Step 3: State-Level Advocacy – Expand Your Reach
It's time to expand to the state level if local advocacy isn't working. Bicycle and pedestrian safety coordinators are designated in several states and are invaluable allies. If you have issues with pedestrians or statewide intersections, discuss and propose the accessibility needs of your students.
You can also get touch with your learner's representative or any public safety and transportation official chosen by the state. Building relationships with state-level officials may prove beneficial if local advocacy isn't enough.
Step 4: National Advocacy – Amplify Your Impact
For those who are ready to advocate for significant modifications, national advocacy presents an opportunity to have a major effect on both policy and practice. You can gain information about the most recent developments in pedestrian accessibility and connect with the leading minds who establish these laws by attending traffic engineering conferences.
Collaborate with the Vision Zero Network: By making streets safer for all, this organization strives to prevent fatal pedestrian accidents. In order to make a difference to more general safety objectives, step in and get in contact with them or engage in their initiatives.
Federal Highway Administration and America Walks: America Walks advocates a pedestrian-friendly environment, while the Federal Highway Administration is responsible for the majority of local and national transportation infrastructure. You can communicate, collaborate, and amplify the impact of your advocacy efforts with both organizations.
So, where do you begin advocating for environmental accessibility?
There is no compelling reason to delay in advocating for environmental accessibility. You can start today by:
Get the 311 App, and use it to report problems straight from your phone, like as obstructed paths, missing APS devices, or unsafe crossings.
Research and Educate yourself with both the ADA and MUTCD Standards so that you know what should be included in accessible pedestrian signals.
Start Connecting by participating in local pedestrian advocacy initiatives or city planning meetings. Your insight and voice can raise the spotlight on matters that would otherwise remain overlooked.
Keep records and Share: Snap photos of accessibility issues and present them to authorities or submit complaints as proof.
U get to the TEA!
U - Understanding the Key Resources
Get to the:
T - Take action in Your Community
E- Expand Your Reach
A - Amplify Your Impact
Understanding laws and concepts is only one factor in advocating for accessible environments; another involves actively encouraging progress and being committed. As O&M advocates and specialists, we have a special responsibility for supporting individuals with visual impairments in establishing themselves as more independent, safer, and confident in oneself.
It may take a while to create places that are accessible to those who are visually impaired, but every step counts.
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