Megan Aird’s Post

For wheelchair users, it's a common misconception that step-free = accessible. Considerations such as incline and the smoothness of the paths are often overlooked. There is a multitude of challenges that disabled people face when trying to access their local community, so I'm glad that Transport for All is trying to expand the criteria for which accessibility is considered in planning. Their report is worth reading 😊 https://lnkd.in/ehN5Tzb4

Choosing an assisted living community is about more than just finding a place to live - it's about finding a home that aligns with your unique needs, interests, and budget. Here are some key things to consider: 1️⃣ Personal Care Needs: Make sure the community can provide the level of care you require, from daily assistance to specialized services. 2️⃣ Activities & Interests: Look for a community that offers programs and activities you enjoy, helping you stay active and engaged. 3️⃣ Affordability: Ensure the community fits within your budget, with a clear understanding of all fees and services. 4️⃣ Location & Accessibility: Consider proximity to family and friends, as well as ease of access to medical care and other essentials. 5️⃣ Community Culture: Visit and meet the staff and residents to get a sense of the environment. Does it feel like a place where you'll feel comfortable and happy? At Placement Helpers, we're here to help you find an assisted living community that checks all the boxes and feels like home. Plus, we provide FREE guided tours. Reach out today!

At diagonal.Works we strive to support the development of more equitable and inclusive places through our belief in open, collaborative and data informed urbanism. This new research from Transport for All "reveals London's outdated planning system excludes the city's 1.2 million disabled people". By not incorporating the right data or asking the right questions when making planning decisions we stop having places that are available and useable for everyone. For example, by only considering distance when planning travel infrastructure and systems, analysis ignores other barriers to transport faced by disabled people. Required reading: https://buff.ly/4fPWi6v #travelforall #travek #planning #systems #disability #equity #inclusiveplanning #places #data #inclusion #accessibility

My husband loves Grand Designs, but honestly I just find it stressful! I feel the money issues, site problems and sleepless nights just too intensely to be able to relax. So when he suggested we watch the latest episode of the Yorkshire couple from Keighley on my Friday night, I wasn't too eager. And I was right to.... because despite the happy ending and stylish accessible home, I can't help think about the many who don't have the privilege to be able to build their own accessible home. However, I do hope that from the hundred and thousands of viewers there will be those in the Construction Industry watching it who will want to build better, for the benefit of everyone... Because there are approximately 1.2 million people in the UK who use a wheelchair; and there are 16 million disabled people, which is 1 in 4 us. And if we are lucky to grow old, we will likely acquire a disability. So building more accessibly, especially homes, is for the benefit of us all. And it's not as difficult or expensive as the presenter Kevin McCloud made accessibility out to be! Have a look at this research by the London School of Economics (LSE) and Political Science Housing and Communities research group commissioned by Habinteg on the Social and Economic Value of Wheelchair User Homes: https://lnkd.in/engPrUH4 #Accessibility #AccessibleHomes #AccessibleDesign #InclusiveDesign

National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) were proud to be joined by Andy Street and Clive Gilbert for the signing of the Accessible Transport Charter which aims to amplify the voices of disabled people, ensuring that transport services cater to the needs of everyone.   Prepared by Policy Connect and the Accessible Transport Policy Commission which work to remove transport barriers for disabled people across the UK, the Charter encourages local political leaders to work towards closing the transport accessibility gap - which refers to the Motability Foundation's research finding that disabled people make 38% fewer journeys than non-disabled people.                                                                                                                              According to the Charter, train stations often lack accessibility for disabled people. When coupled with misplaced refuse bins, uneven pavements, and a shortage of level crossings and appropriate signage, these factors can contribute to the widening #accessibility gap.                                                                                  Register your commitment to closing the transport accessibility gap today: https://bit.ly/4cPDofq   Find out more: https://www.ncat.uk/        National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat), WSP, Motability Foundation, Designability, Connected Places Catapult, RiDC (Research Institute for Disabled Consumers), Policy Connect, Paul Herriotts, Cathryn Thompson-Goodwin.  

🎉 Did you know that today is World Creativity and Innovation Day? It's the perfect occasion to celebrate fresh, inventive solutions that foster equity and inclusion in ensuring access to safe, fair, and affordable housing. 🏠 In our upcoming report, "PHA Pathways to Advancing Equity," PAHRC delves into the initiatives of Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) striving to fulfill their commitment to promoting safe, fair, and affordable housing. Through 16 interviews and over 20 case studies, we've discovered a strong dedication among PHAs to enhancing equity within their properties. 🩺 One standout PHA leading the charge is Rutland Housing Authority. Their Support and Service at Home (SASH) program aims to improve health outcomes for all older adults in their community. SASH, initiated by Cathedral Square in Vermont in 2009, offers health and wellness assessments, care plans, coordination, and programs to enable seniors to age in place. Since its implementation, Rutland Housing Authority has witnessed remarkable impacts, including increased vaccination rates, decreased hypertension cases, and even lives saved. Today, let's all take inspiration from Rutland Housing Authority and brainstorm new, creative approaches to address opportunities for community improvement. 👉 Watch for our upcoming report, "PHA Pathways to Advancing Equity," to learn more about the diverse initiatives PHAs are undertaking to promote equity and advance fair, safe, and affordable housing. #WorldCreativityandInnovationDay #EquitableHousing #InnovativeApproaches #PHAInitiatives #WCIW #WCID #Equity #IAmCreative #Research #DataStories

📢 Calling All Disabled People! Your Voice Matters in the Euan's Guide Access Survey! buff.ly/3FTkoxy Disabled people know best about the accessibility challenges and wins in public places. That’s why the Euan’s Guide Access Survey is so important – it’s your chance to share real experiences about access and help shape a more inclusive future. 💪 By taking part, you’re helping businesses, councils, and organisations across the UK understand what’s working and where improvements are needed. Your feedback could lead to more accessible restaurants, shops, parks, and venues for everyone! Whether it’s about finding accessible parking, accessible toilets and Changing Places toilets, or knowing where you’ll get a warm welcome, every piece of feedback counts. 📝 Please take the time to complete the survey and make a difference. Let's keep building a world that’s inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all. 🌍 #EuanGuide #AccessSurvey #AccessibilityMatters

Bringing about transformational change in resident outcomes and well-being requires that housing providers, policymakers and funders strive for more than ‘good enough’ and address the barriers to giving people real power and choice where they live. Measuring satisfaction can be a helpful first step in understanding residents’ experiences in affordable housing, but for outcomes and impact-oriented housing providers, measuring residents’ perceptions of their agency, voice and power is the next step to understanding how we can create more equitable, healthy communities. Check out our recent blog that explores some of these ideas and a new resource guide that outlines practical steps for housing providers to better understand and assess how empowered and engaged residents feel within their community.

Did you know that U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released a new report? “Housing Search Assistance for Non-Elderly People with Disabilities” contains findings on the diverse structural barriers faced by disabled adults and successful strategies for locating, leasing up, and transitioning into housing. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gWA2MR_K

Public transportation can be the great equalizer. But what happens when not everyone has equitable access to it? Across the world, low-income and marginalized communities are disproportionally affected by transportation challenges due to lack of access. This hinders these individuals' ability to access employment, education, healthcare, and essential services. That's why we must work towards making public transportation accessible for everyone. Let's advocate for affordable and efficient public transportation in underserved areas, while ensuring access for people with disabilities and the elderly. Riding public transportation shouldn't be a privilege, but a basic human right. Let's work together to make public transportation accessible to everyone.