The contemporary cityscape presents a daily challenge for the blind and visually impaired residents. They navigate through intricate infrastructure with only the help of their sense of touch, hearing, and remaining sight, constantly aware of every movement and sound in their vicinity. The matter becomes particularly complicated when considering public transportation – a critical aspect of an independent life in an urban setting. The issue at hand, then, is how Colorado Springs, a city characterized by its bustling lifestyle and robust urban development, can foster a more inclusive environment. For Colorado Springs to foster a more inclusive city environment, it needs to enhance public transportation for the blind and visually impaired by implementing effective navigational tools and accommodating infrastructure.
To truly grasp the struggles faced, we first need to understand the day-to-day realities of visually impaired individuals. Living with a physical disability in a city buzzing with constant activity like Colorado Springs presents considerable obstacles. Difficulty using a well-developed public transportation system can limit social interactions and lead to isolation, decreasing quality of life. Occupational therapists can be instrumental in addressing these concerns by focusing on physical challenges and psychological factors, like self-efficacy. Barriers such as lack of knowledge and resources often hinder their initiatives. Despite minimal research, especially on psychological elements, a shift towards these factors is apparent in efforts to enhance public transportation usage (Ogawa et al.).
Several measures have been proposed and implemented, but many fail to accommodate the diverse needs of visually impaired individuals, leaving a gap in accessibility that needs to be urgently addressed. Government bodies often focus on traditional solutions like installing audio signals at traffic lights and creating tactile paths. However, these measures are only pieces of a larger puzzle. To fully address the needs of visually impaired individuals, we need a more comprehensive and holistic approach.
In order to authentically re-envision our urban design and public transportation systems in Colorado Springs with the experiences and unique needs of the visually impaired in mind, we need to delve deeper into their daily encounters. This approach invites us to plunge into their day-to-day experiences. The solution goes beyond a simple fix; it entails intertwining advanced navigational aids with a redesign of existing infrastructures. The goal is to surpass traditional measures and bridge the gap between technology and accessibility.
Effective assistive technologies for individuals with visual impairments are two-pronged: indoor navigation and outdoor navigation. Contemporary developments in indoor navigation include devices harnessing video cameras, image sensors, and artificial vision techniques. These solutions aim to help users avoid obstacles, locate objects, and recognize people, among other activities. Yet, these solutions often target a specific aspect of vision impairment, necessitating a comprehensive system that can substitute human vision more broadly.
Research endeavors for outdoor navigation have focused on GPS-based systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial vision, inertial sensors, and smartphone-integrated digital cameras. These solutions, revolutionary as they may be, range from mobile applications for public transport navigation to artificial intelligence systems for safer street crossings. However, reliance on continuous internet connectivity and cumbersome wearable components pose practical challenges. One standout in this technological landscape is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, which shows promise in its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and energy efficiency. Notably, it has already demonstrated its efficacy in indoor positioning and navigation applications, thus significantly assisting visually impaired individuals navigating public transport (Martinez-Cruz et al.).
In the past decade, various systems assisting visually impaired individuals in public transportation have been developed. However, these systems often focus on one task and fail to provide comprehensive support, particularly during onboarding and offboarding stages. Therefore, we need to continue to research and develop assistance systems that are unobtrusive, provide real-time information, and support individuals at every stage of their public transport journey. Pursuing these technological advancements could greatly enhance the mobility and independence of visually impaired individuals, paving the way for a more inclusive urban landscape.
Uber’s partnership with DART in Dallas serves as an exemplary model of inclusive public transportation. They have implemented a system that allows UberPool rides to and from eligible DART stations, benefiting drivers with rewards and users with a flat rate of $3 (Uber). This concept, if applied in Colorado Springs, could greatly enhance accessibility for the visually impaired community.
When an UberPool ride is requested, the driver gets matched with up to two riders going the same way. A 2-minute timer is set upon arrival at the pickup point, allowing the driver to cancel the trip if the rider doesn’t show up. Along the journey, new riders can join, and the navigation system updates automatically. Pickups and drop-offs are scheduled according to the route and destinations, and drivers rate riders at journey’s end (Uber). By integrating such ride-sharing with other accessibility initiatives, we could significantly improve public transportation for visually impaired individuals in Colorado Springs, fostering a more inclusive community.
In addition, the physical design of our city should prioritize inclusivity. The inclusion of tactile pavements, Braille labels, and readily available assistance points can significantly improve the user-friendliness of public spaces. These modifications would not only benefit the visually impaired but also positively impact a broader community, including tourists and senior citizens. As Colorado Springs evolves to become more navigable for all, it inherently transforms into a more livable space, fostering a stronger sense of community and promoting inclusivity.
A study exploring interactions between bus drivers and visually impaired passengers in public transport found that, while bus drivers acknowledged their role’s importance, their understanding of visual impairments was limited. The research suggested that targeted training programs could better equip drivers to assist visually impaired passengers. Implementing such programs would require an initial investment but could potentially lead to enhanced livability and increased resident satisfaction (Fast and Wild).
The benefits of these changes far outweigh the costs. The implementation process will undoubtedly face challenges, such as budget constraints and resistance to change. Nevertheless, with a solid plan and a collaborative effort, these modifications could transform the city into a more inclusive environment over time. The initial investment might be high, but the potential long-term benefits, such as enhanced livability and increased resident satisfaction, could outweigh the costs. Furthermore, education and awareness are equally crucial for the success of this endeavor.
In the long run, these measures will significantly enhance the city’s livability. By providing equal opportunities to the blind and visually impaired, Colorado Springs can actualize the American dream for all its residents. It is about creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive. Inclusivity in Colorado Springs extends beyond improving public transportation – it’s about embracing all residents. The city has the potential to set a precedent for others to follow.
Colorado Springs has the potential to set a standard in fostering an inclusive urban landscape. To actualize this, city planners, lawmakers, and citizens must invest in improved technologies, infrastructure, and driver training. It’s not enough to conceptualize an inclusive city; we must act to make it a reality. Therefore, let’s seize this opportunity to redefine accessibility in public transportation, creating a city where all citizens can thrive. Together, we can make Colorado Springs a global model for urban inclusivity and accessibility. The time for action is now.
Works Cited
Fast, Danene K., and Wild, Tiffany A. “Transporting People with Visual Impairments: Knowledge of University Campus Public Transportation Workers.” Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, vol. 113, no. 2, 2019, pp. 156–164, https://doi.org/10.1177/0145482×19844078.
Golden Sikorka. “Isometric Blind Man Crossing Street at Crosswalk.” IStockPhoto, 13 May 2022, www.istockphoto.com/vector/isometric-blind-man-crossing-street-at-crosswalk-urban-city-crosswalk-of-gm1397029714-451592480.
Ground Picture. “Senior Blind Man with White Cane Getting on Public Transport in City.” Shutter Stock, www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/senior-blind-man-white-cane-getting-1513661372.
IEEE. “General Description of the Proposed System.” IEEE Xplore, 21 Sept. 2021, ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9534900/figures#figures.
Martinez-Cruz, Salvador, et al. “An Outdoor Navigation Assistance System for Visually Impaired People in Public Transportation.” IEEE Access, vol. 9, 2021, pp. 130767–130777, https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2021.3111544.
Ogawa, Masahiro, et al. “Psychological Effects of Hands-on Training Using Public Transportation among Inpatients with Physical Disabilities: Analysis of the Self-Efficacy and Perception of Occupational Enablement Using a Multimethod Design.” Occupational Therapy International, vol. 2020, 2020, pp. 1–8, https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1621595.
Uber. “Introducing Dart with Free Uberpool Rides Daily | Uber Blog.” Uber, 10 Mar. 2019, www.uber.com/blog/dart-pool/.
Picture courtesy of Disability Insider: Access to transport is a right to everyone – Disability Insider
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Steven Hutto is an educator at Pikes Peak Academy. He draws inspiration from his transformative journey in education. From navigating the challenges of traditional classrooms to attending specialized institutions for the blind, Steven has amassed a wealth of experience. This background enriches his writings, which echo his teaching philosophy that emphasizes individualized perspectives, creativity, and challenges to established norms. Outside of writing, Steven enjoys nature, films, and has a passion for perfecting the art of brewing coffee. His active participation in the community underscores his dedication to inclusivity in his narratives.
