Citation

McMillen B. World Transp. Policy Pract. 2001; 7(4): 28-32.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Eco-Logica)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Most developed countries are experiencing a change in the age and ability profiles of their populations. There are more older people and more people with a disability that limits major life activities. As people age, they are likely to develop more than one disability, and this can compromise a person's mobility for walking and using transportation systems. Traditionally, transportation systems and other built environments have not been designed to accommodate the needs of all users. The lack of accessible environments presents social and economic costs and issues of independence not only for the fast growing aging and disabled population but for most of society. There are many competing interests when designing and retrofitting infrastructure, and political will is essential to ensure accessibility is part of policy, planning, design and construction.