Creating accessible urban spaces is more crucial than ever. Cities are vibrant hubs of opportunity, but for many individuals with disabilities, they remain difficult to navigate. Accessible urban planning seeks to address this challenge by designing cities that are inclusive and functional for everyone. Here are a few examples, wider sidewalks, ramps in place of steps, and user-friendly public transportation systems. These improvements enhance mobility and ensure that all residents can fully participate in urban life.
Making an Accessible World
There are many ways individuals can contribute to building an inclusive society. For example, adopting inclusive language, supporting accessibility-focused initiatives and legislation, and advocating for universal design in our communities.
Molly Burke, a public speaker and advocate for the blind and visually impaired, shares her insights on these topics through her YouTube channel. With over 1,000 videos, she has collaborated with numerous content creators to tell her story as a blind woman. In her video, "5 Ways YOU Can Make the World More Accessible!", Burke offers practical advice on how everyone can help make cities and towns more accessible. You can watch her video here:
Designing An Accessible And Inclusive City
Building
a city is challenging, and designing one that meets the diverse needs of its
citizens can be equally demanding. However, the benefits of incorporating
inclusive elements into urban design extend beyond supporting individuals with
disabilities.
The World Economic Forum's article, "Why Designing an Accessible and Inclusive City Goes Beyond Affordability," explores the many reasons cities are integrating accessible features into buildings, homes, stores, and more. You can read the article here: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/02/why-designing-an-accessible-and-inclusive-city-goes-beyond-affordability/
Do you think your hometown could be more accessible? If so, how? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below!
Author's Note: The SPAN Youth Chat will not be returning at the end of August. Instead it will resume on September 25th. Thank you for your continuing support.
Featuring...
VIDEO GAMING 101
Video
gaming has become part of the fabric of daily life for most youth today. But
with several decades of research available on video gaming and its potential
effects on child health, what’s the verdict? Is it beneficial or harmful to
mental and physical health for youth and adolescents? How can parents evaluate
if their child’s gaming is problematic, and what might be the best way to guide
youth to healthy use?
Children and Screens’ new parenting tip sheet, “Video Gaming 101: Healthy vs Problematic Gaming” offers expert insights on youth video gaming, including:
- Features of video games that may impact youth mental health
- How to engage in dialogue with children and adolescents about their gaming habits
- Ways to monitor and manage youth gaming
- Signs of problematic gaming--and what to do about it
- And more!
Read the tip sheet: https://www.childrenandscreens.org/learn-explore/research/video-gaming-101-healthy-vs-problematic-gaming/
The SPAN Youth Advisory Council
The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) empowers families and informs professionals on children's development and education. Come to our information session to learn about joining our Youth Advisory Council and making a difference for youth with disabilities!
Event highlights:
- Date: Sept 24, 2024
- Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
- Location: Virtual
- Make a Difference: Share your thoughts on youth disability programs.
- Develop Skills: Gain leadership experience.
- Network: Connect with peers and professionals.
Register here: https://bit.ly/SPANadvisors
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Resources...
Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726.
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