People
with disabilities seek inclusion in Portland and access
to the city’s many cultural, recreational and educational
offerings.
Of those respondents who discuss disability issues, the
majority believe that people with disabilities generally
feel welcomed in Portland. Respondents are generally pleased
with the amount of public transportation that exists for
people with disabilities, although occasionally bus riders
or drivers are not as accommodating as they could be. Many
people appreciated the social services and professionals
in schools that work with students who have disabilities.
They like the programs, such as career training, and events
specific to people with disabilities. They suggest providing
one central office that provides all necessary services
under one roof for families, parental guardians and individuals
dealing with disability issues. Portlanders ask that people
with disabilities be included in decision-making, and that
they are able to lead more outreach to their own community
around issues related to disabilities. People with disabilities
would like to have more independent living options.
- Numerous
people with disabilities feel welcomed in Portland.
- Accessible
transportation options help reduce barriers for people
with disabilities.
- Basic resources and opportunities
should become fully accessible and should accommodate
all people.
- Schools need more resources
for students with disabilities.
- People with disabilities should
have opportunities for leadership and to influence decision-making.
- Numerous
people with disabilities feel welcomed in Portland.
- People acknowledge that there seems to be a lot
of events and programs that either reach out specifically
to the disability community or are open and accessible.
- Some people are pleased with the various services
offered in Portland Public Schools for students
with disabilities.
| “Different
cultures are welcomed here including the disability
community!”” |
- Comprehensive efforts to offer necessary
accommodations at all public events.
- “Improved, updated play equipment that allows
children with wheelchairs to participate.”
- Accessible
transportation options help reduce barriers for
people with disabilities.
- People with disabilities should have easy access
to public transportation regardless of where they
reside.
- Many people mention their appreciation for the
lift services that are an option with public transportation
in Portland. Others, however, feel that the lift
could be:
- Safer;
- More convenient (on-time pick-ups and drop-offs,
more frequent services);
- More respectful of the needs of disabled people.
- Flexcar should have options for people with
disabilities.
- The handicaped parking spaces are sometimes inadequate,
for instance at the Hollywood Transit site.
| "Transportation
system- It relieves several barriers that face
individuals with low-income and disability.” |
| “[In
2030] People who are older or have disabilities
can walk or take the bus regardless where they
live.” |
| “[I
would like to see] more accommodations from the
lift program.” |
| “Little
consideration is given to handicapped riders.
Most riders will not concede a handicapped seat
to those that are handicapped. Many bus drivers
are rude when one needs to use the lift and are
sure to show their disapproval for the delay…” |
- Secure grants or business support to
provide handicapped-accessible vans as one of the
options offered through Flexcar.
- Increase sidewalks, especially in SW Portland.
Sidewalks allow some disabled people to better access
public transit and other mobility services.
- Basic
services, resources and opportunities should become
fully accessible and should accommodate all people.
- Portlanders call for more support and resource
options for families with children who have disabilities.
- People with developmental disabilities should
be provided with better, more inclusive solutions
to barriers.
- There should be a substantial increase in accessible
housing options that are also affordable.
- Management of multi-family housing and other
housing facilities should be more accommodating.
- People with disabilities should have more
independent living options in all neighborhoods.
- More assisted living for people with disabilities,
including elders with disabilities.
- More employment and career training options are
needed for people with disabilities.
- People with disabilities should not have to face
discrimination in job hiring, limited job options,
and wages.
- The parks system in Portland should be much more
accessible.
- Many theaters are not fully accessible.
- Level all curbs and sidewalks and pave streets
so they are easier for wheelchair and electric scooter
accessibility and safety.
| “[In
2030, the]... city will be green with access to
maintained parks fully accessible for people with
disabilities." |
| “Full
employment for people with disabilities according
to their wants and abilities. E.g. the blind unemployment
rate should be 0 instead of 97%.” |
| “[In
2030] People with disabilities have access to
jobs earning a living wage and are not forced
to live in poverty.” |
| "[In
2030] Housing accommodates all non-disabled and
disabled.” |
- One central office that provides all
necessary services for families and individuals
faced with disabilities issues.
- Schools
need more resources for students with disabilities.
- More trained professionals should be hired to
support students with disabilities.
- All schools should have comprehensive systems
in place to ensure students with disabilities are
fully incorporated into the learning environment.
- Parental figures should be offered the necessary
support from school administration to ease their
children with disabilities into the school system.
- Public education beyond the schools needs to occur
in order to build wider acceptance and understanding
of common disability issues.
- There should be a better understanding of the
differences between types of disabilities among
housing managers as well as the general public and
leaders.
| "[I
would like to see] more school support and inclusion
for people with disabilities.” |
| “Effective
education regarding people with disabilities.
So few people have knowledge and understanding
and there is, on the whole, little acceptance
of people with disabilities and their families
and care givers.” |
| "[In
2030] parents of children with disabilities would
not have to 'fight' with school administration
for their children can have a free and appropriate
public education. Disabilities would be an equal
part of the norm...” |
- People
with disabilities should have opportunities for
leadership and to influence decision-making.
- The City needs to encourage more inclusion of
people with disabilities in decision-making.
- Electeds and other public servants need education
and awareness of people with disabilities, including
developmental disabilities.
- In the public realm, all necessary accommodation
needs should be met.
- The diverse voices of people with disabilities
should be taken seriously and suggestions considered
and acted on by the City.
- There needs to be more advocacy and activism of
disability rights by and for people with disabilities
both on community and political levels.
- There should also be more opportunities for people
with disabilities to lead outreach efforts around
issues related to disabilities.
| "Because
my life work is on behalf of people with disabilities,
I would like to see the recognition of the need
for our diverse population of Portland to be represented
at decision-making tables, accommodation needs
considered in planning any city-wide event, concrete
action (not just words) that affirms the value
of every person." |
| “Governmental
bylaws always including a representative from
the disability community in all decision making." |
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