Access and Inclusion People with Disabilities in Public
Access and Inclusion: People with Disabilities in Public Participation Ann D. Kirkwood, MA Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005
Public Participation Defined “Any process that includes the public in problem-solving and uses the public input to make decisions. ” International Assn. of Public Participation Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005
Are Wheelchair Ramps Enough? To involve people with disabilities in public participation we must make our processes both accessible and inclusive. Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005
What is a Disability? ►A disability is a condition that limits a person’s ability to function fully in everyday life. 48 million in the United States Est 500 million worldwide All racial, ethnic, cultural, socio-economic and geographic groups. § May be physical, mental, cognitive, developmental, related to aging § May be hidden, such as mental illnesses and brain injuries § § § Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005
Accessible & Inclusive Accessibility means that a person with a disability can physically access our processes. Inclusive means that a person with a disability can participate meaningfully. Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005
Legal requirements for participation ► In the US, government-funded and some private projects must adhere to the Americans With Disabilities Act. ► Laws in other countries vary. ► The United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (General Assembly resolution 48/96 of December 20, 1993) provides guidelines for inclusion. Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005
What is Community Integration? ► Grew out of the U. S. civil rights movement of the 1960’s ► Right to live in mainstream of community ► Full rights of citizenship ► “Nothing About Us Without Us” Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005
How do we ensure all voices are heard? ► Involvement in mainstream participatory processes are essential in two ways: § The needs and interests of people with disabilities are represented in decision-making; and § All members of the community benefit from living, working and participating with people with disabilities. In short, we enrich each other’s lives. Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005
Personal Attributes… ► IAP 2’s listing of personal qualities for public participation professionals includes reference to “core personal attributes. ” ► These attributes affect how we think and act. Our attitudes toward people with disabilities affect how we behave (G. H. Mead, 1934). ► Examine your attitudes and language to ensure positive attributes toward people with disabilities. Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005
Standards for Etiquette ► Ask if you’re unsure ► Offer assistance but wait until it’s accepted to act ► Talk to people with disabilities (not to others around them) ► Get on eye level as much as possible ► Talk in terms of abilities, not disabilities! Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005
Etiquette, continued ► Don’t emphasize differences by marginalizing, exemplifying, making jokes or calling uninvited attention to people with disabilities ► People with disabilities are just like everyone. § They have hopes and dreams § They have good moods and bad moods § They are interested in the same things as everyone: recreation, family, health care, a home, etc. Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005
Planning… In planning a public involvement process, we include an analysis of stakeholders ► Stakeholders are those who will be interested (at some level) in the decision to be made. ► A full outline for providing a Stakeholder Analysis is available through the IAP 2 certificate training program. ► The process outlined assumes an understanding of the IAP 2 guidelines and is designed to supplement them. ► Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005
Activity Scenario ► You are planning a public participation process for a transportation corridor improvement (including mass transit and freeway construction). In conducting your stakeholder analysis, how might you consider involving people with disabilities? Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005
Planning Worksheet Disability Nature of Interest Accessible Inclusion Sight Hearing Mental illness Developmental Disability Other Physical Other: _____ Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005 Accommodation
A Note About Accommodations ►Making accommodations for people with disabilities means providing services or materials that help them participate in a meaningful way. § Communications § Facilitation § Facilities § …and more Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005
We all benefit when… We must banish the patronizing mind-set that disabled people are unable. In fact, they have enormous talent, and America cannot afford to waste an ounce of it. ” Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass. ) New York Times, June 17, 1999 Copyright Ann D. Kirkwood 2005
- Slides: 16