Introduction

Barrier-free Cleveland examines barriers to everyday life experienced by seniors and people with disabilities. Barrier-free Cleveland focuses mainly on barriers to physical mobility, but also looks at neighborhood-level supports for people with cognitive disabilities, developmental disabilities, vision and hearing loss.

This guide is for residents, caregivers, business owners, designers, public officials, developers, and anyone interested in creating more accessible inclusive neighborhoods. Recommendations are organized into design strategies, policy recommendations, and individual actions that reduce barriers and improve accessibility in city neighborhoods.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control, over 61 million adults in this country live with a disability. In addition, the national population of people 65-and-older is growing rapidly. Neighborhoods need to be adapted to meet the changing needs of residents.

Disability impacts everyone. At some point in our lives, most people experience temporary or permanent disabilities due to illness, accidents or the effects of aging. Family members, friends, and neighbors may experience disabilities as well. Barrier-free Cleveland aims to make neighborhoods better, safer, and more inclusive for all.

Perhaps “disability” is not the right word. All human bodies have limitations of one kind or another. City neighborhoods and public spaces are designed for some bodies but not for others. A person isn’t disabled until they encounter a barrier or find themselves in an environment that is not designed to meet their needs. Barrier-free Cleveland aims to change the conditions that limit access to public spaces, public transit, and neighborhood destinations.