#40: Disability Mobility with Anna Zivarts, Abby Griffith and Micah Lusignan (Disability Rights Washington)
Feb 14, 2022
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Anna Zivarts, a prominent advocate for transportation equity, is joined by Abby Griffith and Micah Lusignan, both dedicated to the Disability Mobility Initiative. They discuss the intersection of mobility and social justice, sharing personal stories of the barriers faced by non-drivers with disabilities. The conversation highlights the urgent need for inclusive urban planning, emphasizing authentic representation in decision-making. They also tackle employment discrimination and propose innovative solutions to make transportation accessible for all.
The Disability Mobility Initiative advocates for the inclusion of non-drivers' voices in urban planning to address systemic barriers faced by individuals with disabilities.
Car-centric urban environments contribute to social isolation and dependence for those with disabilities, necessitating urgent changes in transportation accessibility.
Deep dives
The Prevalence of Car Dependency
Only 15% of the world's population owns a car, emphasizing that 85% of people do not rely on personal vehicles. This statistic highlights the widespread issue of car dependency, particularly in urban planning and transportation design. The dominance of car culture not only contributes significantly to carbon emissions but also creates systemic barriers for individuals who cannot drive, impacting their access to employment, education, and social activities. The need for urban environments to accommodate non-drivers, including those with disabilities, is critical for creating more inclusive communities.
Barriers Facing Individuals with Disabilities
Disability Rights Washington actively addresses the unique barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing transportation. Many people, including those who are blind or have limited vision, struggle to navigate car-centric environments, leading to feelings of isolation and dependence on others for mobility. Real-life experiences shared by individuals reveal that the lack of an accessible transportation system can severely limit one's independence and quality of life. These systemic issues highlight the urgent need for planners to consider the voices and needs of non-drivers in their decisions to foster equitable urban development.
Community Advocacy for Inclusive Transportation
The Disability Mobility Initiative aims to unite non-drivers in advocating for better transportation options and accessibility within their communities. By gathering personal stories and experiences, the initiative seeks to inform urban planners about the significant barriers individuals with disabilities face daily. The initiative not only amplifies the voices of non-drivers but also empowers them to engage in transportation planning decisions actively. This grassroots approach also emphasizes the importance of including diverse perspectives in urban design to create functional and sustainable spaces.
The Need for Systematic Change in Urban Planning
The conversation highlights a critical gap in urban planning education, where the needs of individuals with restricted mobility are often overlooked. There is a pressing need for urban planners to incorporate the perspectives of people living with disabilities when designing transportation systems and community infrastructure. The failure to do so perpetuates inequities that impact the most vulnerable populations. Thus, initiating a paradigm shift in planning practices to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity can significantly improve the quality of life for all members of society, regardless of their mobility.
Today we’re talking about the intersection of of mobility, sustainability, social justice and disability rights.
I am joined by Anna, Micah and Abby from Disability Rights Washington who are part of the Disability Mobility Initiative for Washington State in the US. They are doing amazing work in sharing the stories of how people with disabilities move around and campaigning for systemic change in how our urban environments are designed and built. They want to see people with disabilities in real positions of power and influencing decision making and they talk about the barriers that are currently stopping this.