I’m a physically disabled woman with young children in Atlanta, GA. I’m a full-time wheelchair user – mobility dependent on both powered and manual chairs. I enjoy trying out disabled sports for fun. I use hand-controls to drive. Atlanta streets are built like a spoke (round) not a grid (square) so intersections are difficult for me to navigate – especially in the bustling downtown areas. The streets are part of my journey when I go to physical therapy, sporting events with children, school and leisure. There’s not enough time to cross the street, cars are too close to designated pedestrian zone, larger trucks can’t see me crossing – especially when turning. Unfortunately, there’s no way for wheeldestrians to avoid crossing streets without the fear of getting hit by a car but the city doesn’t seem to make updating the current infrastructure to accommodate us.
So, when possible, I try to cross with an eye-level pedestrian and pray I make it home safely. I haven’t taken action because the cost for legal help is prohibitive, the red tape is confusing, and people with disabilities aren’t taken seriously without an advocate.
I think things could be improved if we plan, prepare, support and train pedestrian ambassadors to hold those in power accountable for protecting ALL citizens in their district. Include people with disabilities in planning, meetings and research & development for specified and agreed upon timeframe.