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I've been thinking about this- what would the 100% accessible city be like? What would the city planning look like?
Id say- obviously no stairs whenever possible (and if stairs, then must ramps/elevator), better ramps everywhere, great lighting for nighttime, info accessible (written, spoken, and signed, in all local languages), no unnecessary barriers / obstacles such as poles,
Markings are clearly marked, no bright coloring / loud noises / bright continuous flashes, announcements fully accessible, rounded corners, elevators w windows, open spaces, public centres w resources accessible for all, wider spaces for pedestrians,
Mirror / reflections for us Deafies to see behind us, tacticle surfaces everywhere, lower countertops, high items are reachable, bathrooms everywhere and accessible, snow/ice removal prioritized and always, public transportations free & prioritized...
Accessible entrances are front not “side or back door”, visual and texture markers that is clear for blind/low vision folks to follow w cane to safely cross the street (esp DeafBlind folks, with tactile info on when it’s safe to cross or not on the post)
Rolled curbs so ppl can roll up /down with more curb cuts available everywhere (try to discourage jaywalking but we know people gonna do it. Also allows wheelchair users to disembark on side of street and actually go onto sidewalk there instead of going all the way to corners)
(Keep in mind- I am Deaf person. I’m not blind/low vision/wheelchair user/don’t have physical difficulties (except for balance lol)/ and am neurotypical. I try to think of stuff for all various disabled ppl but obviously I’m missing out on stuff. Pls feel free to add!!)
I tried googling if curbs are necessary. Is there a way to divert water from rainfall while being able to keep flat surfaces so we’d not need to add curb? Some have gutters on the ground for drainage. Maybe future the pavement can absorb rainwater and redirect it away = no curb.
If no curbs, obviously we still must have clear markers to divide sidewalk and road to discourage cars from going onto sidewalk, and to guide the blind/low vision folks. While accessible for wheelchair / limited mobility to across it.
Of course, supervised injection sites, ready accessible centers for mental health needs, housing needs, food needs, childcare needs, etc etc! And can rent mobility devices anywhere! (Especially for ambulatory wheelchair users when you realize welp the pains / fatigue shows up)
Public places (stores, government, bank, etc etc) have computer ready with sign language interpreters ready to be called whenever needs interpretation! (like video relay service but for in person conversation) And in-person live interpreters everywhereeee needed!
Also! Places to sit everywhere! Soft chairs! Variety kinds for variety body types! Bench that aren't designed to prevent people from sleeping on it. (looking @ u, hostile architecture)
