VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY:
The visionPDX Input Report

SOCIAL ISSUES:
Disabilities

  


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People with disabilities seek inclusion in Portland and access to the city’s many cultural, recreational and educational offerings.

Section Summary

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.

Summary of Main Ideas

  1. Numerous people with disabilities feel welcomed in Portland.
  2. Accessible transportation options help reduce barriers for people with disabilities.
  3. Basic resources and opportunities should become fully accessible and should accommodate all people.
  4. Schools need more resources for students with disabilities.
  5. People with disabilities should have opportunities for leadership and to influence decision-making.

MAIN IDEAS

  1. 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!””

Sample Strategies:

  1. Comprehensive efforts to offer necessary accommodations at all public events.
  2. “Improved, updated play equipment that allows children with wheelchairs to participate.”
  1. 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…”

Sample Strategies:

  1. Secure grants or business support to provide handicapped-accessible vans as one of the options offered through Flexcar.
  2. Increase sidewalks, especially in SW Portland. Sidewalks allow some disabled people to better access public transit and other mobility services.
  1. 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.”

Sample Strategies:

  1. One central office that provides all necessary services for families and individuals faced with disabilities issues.
  1. 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...”

  1. 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."