Multiple-Stakeholder Perspectives on Accessibility Data and the Use of Socio-Technical Tools to Improve Sidewalk Accessibility

Delphine Labbé, Yochai Eisenberg (), Devon Snyder, Judy Shanley, Joy M. Hammel and Jon E. Froehlich
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Delphine Labbé: Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
Yochai Eisenberg: Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
Devon Snyder: Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
Judy Shanley: Easterseals, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
Joy M. Hammel: Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
Jon E. Froehlich: Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA

Disabilities, 2023, vol. 3, issue 4, 1-18

Abstract: For people with disabilities, accessible pedestrian infrastructure can support independence, mobility, and improved quality of life. Yet, most pedestrian infrastructure presents barriers that impede movement. A major challenge for cities to improve pedestrian accessibility is the lack of reliable data on sidewalk accessibility. Little is known about the type of data needed for cities, as well as how different stakeholders perceive and use sidewalk data. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the perceptions of multiple stakeholders on the use, gathering, and application of sidewalk accessibility data. We conducted a series of workshops with 51 participants, including people with disabilities, caregivers, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinators, and urban planners, to discuss sidewalk accessibility data and data collection tools. We used the socio-technological tool Project Sidewalk as an example. Participants identified various uses for the accessibility data such as route planning, barrier removal plans, and advocacy, and discussed issues of usability, trust, access, and accessibility of the data and tools. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of important factors that impact the use and application of accessibility data and how to implement accessibility data collection initiatives that utilize socio-technological approaches such as crowdsourcing.

Keywords: accessibility; disability; crowdsourcing; urban planning; civic engagement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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