2020 Annual WASLA Conference

Achieving Universal Mobility and Inclusive Design; Lessons from People with Vision Disabilities

Description:

Multimodal access that incorporates inclusive design enables more people to utilize their potential: to travel around cities independently, to work, and to live full and independent lives, regardless of their physical abilities. This session will explore the needs and multimodal access challenges of people with limited mobility, and in particular, people with vision disabilities. We'll explore how landscape architects can design to foster interconnection, to increase sustainability and resilience for all community members. Speakers will provide a comprehensive perspective on the planning, design, and implementation of multimodal projects. They will survey existing design guidance, lessons learned from local projects and planning, and highlight recent national guidance and best practices for new types of transportation facilities, such as shared streets. They will also share on-the-ground experience navigating city streets and public spaces for people with limited mobility, and what it's like to teach people independent mobility.

Speaker Bios:

Katy Saunders, PLA, ASLA, Associate 2 - MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design

Katy is a landscape architect and urban designer who has worked with numerous city departments, stakeholders, and community members to envision and plan livable communities. Her recent project experience includes multimodal access studies, streetscape design, planning for transit-oriented development, and sub area planning. The thread that runs through Katy's practice is a commitment to plans and designs that protect ecological systems and improve safety and comfort for the people who live, work, and play in that community.

Kristen Lohse, ASLA, Senior Urban Designer, Associate - Toole Design

Kristen is a senior urban designer with two decades of experience in active transportation planning and design. She is passionate about creating safe, efficient, convenient transportation systems that result in high quality, vibrant public spaces and contribute to a community's sense of place. Her expertise in shared use trails, bicycle facility design, Complete Streets guidance, wayfinding, and universal design come from work on a wide variety of projects in the public realm. Kristen is co-author of the FHWA guide Accessible Shared Streets: Notable Practices Notable Practices and Considerations for Accommodating Pedestrians with Vision Disabilities.
Screen reader support enabled.
David Miller, Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
David has worked for close to 30 years developing curriculum and providing instruction around transportation access for blind and Deafblind consumers in the multi-model King, Pierce and Snohomish County Transit Systems. He has been actively involved in consultation with Departments of Transportation in implementing ADA standards and with Transit Agencies and Urban Designers in understanding and implementing accessibility programs with the goal of creating pedestrian friendly environments for all.

Learning Objectives

  • Learn about key access and mobility challenges facing people with limited mobility and low vision
  • Better understand existing best practice guidance and where there are gaps in information for design professionals
  • Explore the design opportunities and challenges by reviewing several recent local projects
  • Share examples of successful engagement with people who have limited mobility and/or low vision