Inclusive Planning in Tribal Communities: Engaging People With Disabilities in Designing Safe and Accessible Transportation Systems
American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) have the highest prevalence of disability (about 30%) of all racial and ethnic groups in the United States. At the same time, the accessibility of public spaces and safety of roadways in tribal communities are lacking and AI/AN have a “per capita” pedestrian fatality rate more than four-and-a-half times the national average.
To address these troubling statistics, the National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD) awarded America Walks a Partnership for Inclusive Health Innovation grant. The purpose and title of this project is to advance inclusive planning in tribal communities by engaging people with disabilities in designing safe and accessible transportation systems. This white paper presents research into the extent to which people with disabilities are currently included in tribal planning processes and recommendations for making those processes more inclusive.