Creating Better Community Access Through Participatory Mapping

Over 56 million Americans had a disability in About 38 million had a “severe” disability, most of these over age 65. In a AAA poll, 48% of disabled patrons would travel more often to shop, dine, or stay if they felt that more accessible sites existed. 62% of respondents said they would travel twice as far to specifically visit an accessible place.

What are the ADA guidelines and are establishments in compliance? Can I find disabled individuals with which to engage in participatory mapping? How can a local-scale map be more informative as a special purpose map for chair-assisted individuals?

Includes the intended audience and primary users in the decision-making and mapping process. The focus of this study was physical mobility impairment and access to community businesses and resources in the Oregon District, Dayton, OH What about the ADA of ? What is Participatory Mapping?

To date, it has improved community access by over 75%! Guaranteed some flexibility for businesses and public buildings until March 4, Guidelines updated in 2010 in part through participatory mapping. New construction or renovation must meet 2010 guidelines. Existing structures will now gradually come into compliance. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

What sorts of hazards or difficulties do we need to be aware of? Uneven sidewalks, tree roots, fire hydrants, trash cans and recycle bins, street signs or vendors, crosswalk timing and placement, rough crosswalks, busy traffic, doorway entrances and clearance, orientation of the doorway. -- Insights from disabled participants

A.Where are the handicap parking areas and are they sufficient? B.What condition are the sidewalks or crosswalks in? C.How does the residential area differ from the shopping and dining district? D.What are the expectations of a disabled person in a map designed to improve the representation of accessibility for their use?

All Oregon Shopping District crosswalks have approved ramps. However, the only crosswalks at a signal are at either extreme of the map area. There is a crosswalk at Jackson St. and Fifth St. which could be improved.

AXS Map – rates each establishment or institution based on common necessary components for disabled individuals. It is a nationwide initiative that relies solely on volunteers. AXS Map mobile apps are also available. Does the doorway open out and is it flat? If not, does the business have a portable ramp? How is the clearance in the restrooms and is the sink a suitable height? Are the aisleways clear and is seating adequate? If multiple stories, is an elevator available? Is the place quiet and is the staff respectful and courteous? How close is parking to the front door?

Insights from sources indicated that a brochure- style map with simple, alphanumeric symbols was a preferred style for ease of reference. Concerns included proximity (less than 100 feet from parking where possible), entrances, restrooms, spaciousness, and overall quality of service. Limitations include only two “passes” through the district, only consulting with disabled individuals as opposed to actively surveying with them, and certain establishments not being open or available on the days in question.

Disabled individuals can lead fully functioning lives and minimize their impairment where the community is actively dedicated to inclusion. Throughway obstructions are the most frequent hazard, and with the exception of fire hydrants, they are easily remedied. Spreading disability awareness through direct contact with businesses can lead to positive improvements such as the addition of a portable ramp or a bathroom door that opens out.

Further research is warranted to better investigate other aspects of cartographic representation for and by persons with other disabilities including tactile maps for the blind, and special-purpose maps for those with neurological impairment. People’s perceptions of disability access vary widely; in a few cases, greater discussion with the shop owner regarding accessibility was necessary. It would be useful to review the results with a small panel of primary users to ensure a meticulous outcome and refine the results prior to any publication of the map.