1. Planning accessible cities: Lessons from high quality barrier removal plans.
- Author
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Eisenberg, Yochai, Heider, Amy, Labbe, Delphine, Gould, Robert, and Jones, Robin
- Subjects
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URBAN planning , *CITIES & towns , *AMERICANS with Disabilities Act of 1990 , *SOCIAL marginality , *OFFICES - Abstract
Progress towards development of accessible pedestrian networks for people with disabilities has been slow, perpetuating social exclusion in many cities world-wide. There is increased pressure to develop and implement plans for barrier-removal, such as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transition plans. Limited research has examined the elements for effectively developing and implementing plans in a comprehensive way that identifies the role of individual, organizational, and cultural factors. To better understand the factors influencing effective planning, we interviewed municipal planners with high-quality plans about their experiences and perceptions. We analyzed the interview data using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to better understand how well the data aligned with established constructs of effective implementation. Our results suggest that planners of high-quality plans were supported by factors that were both internal to the city, such as technology, training, and interdepartmental relationships; and/or external, such as connections with other organizations or being accountable to their state transportation offices. Several interviewees described the need for organizational and cultural change around planning for more accessible pedestrian networks. The lessons learned from effective planning can be used to improve barrier-removal planning in cities in and outside of the U.S. • Progress towards removing pedestrian barriers for disabled citizens is slow. • High-quality barrier removal planning can be studied using implementation science tools. • Planning processes are adaptable to local government resources and capacities. • High quality plans are nurtured by interdepartmental, inter-city, and state relationships. • Communication and public engagement support buy-in from stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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