Universal Design in public space

Saw this blog today at Planetizen about incorporating Universal Design into everyday designing & planning. Although the author specifically talks about sidewalks and streets in Buenos Aries, this type of public accessibility are covered by federal laws in United States. But still, the basic concept as described is why I and other advocates for people with disabilities promote Universal Design in planning and design:

What do these failures cost? A lot, in reduced productivity and lost dignity. People who lack basic mobility (link is from original article)are unable to participate in activities that most of us take for granted: schooling, employment, shopping, recreation and socializing.

Even if the streets and sidewalks are 100% accessible (which ideally, they should be), failure to use Universal Design in other areas such as housing, both multi-family and single-family, can limit the options available to people with disabilities. People may not be able to get in & out of their homes if they suddenly acquired a disability (accidents happen everyday, you know). They might not be able to live where they want, close to their families, friends, church or job. They may not be able to visit their friends & families whose homes are inaccessible to them.

This is why I am working to ensure that housing that a Waukesha County Housing Trust Fund provides funding for incorporates Universal Design or Visitability.