accessible transportation

Malathi Renati hosts Arshel Akther, the Bicycle Mayor of Guwahati, in a conversation that highlights the need for sustainable transportation and its perspective from the society and government. The focus is to provide equitable, accessible, inclusive, and sustainable mobility options to people rather than the government's current singular goal of improving road infrastructure in cities.

Do check out Takshashila’s public policy courses: https://school.takshashila.org.in/courses

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In this special episode of the Uplink Podcast, we deeply dive into the transformative realm of airport accessibility, spotlighting the groundbreaking WHILL Powered chair system redefining mobility for disabled travelers.

Our narrative begins with a personal reflection that sets the tone for the episode's focus: the paradigm shift in awareness accompanying parenthood and the newfound empathy for the obstacles faced by those traveling with disabilities. This heartfelt prelude paves the way for a larger discussion on the inclusivity of air travel for the disabled population.

We chart the historical trajectory of accessibility in aviation, from the early 20th century's scant accommodations to the post-war era's burgeoning awareness and landmark legislative achievements like Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986. These critical junctures established the foundation for contemporary advancements and the sustained endeavor to enhance the travel experience for disabled passengers.

The episode convenes a panel of eminent experts: Kerry Renaud, CEO of WHILL North America, Curt Bryant, Operations Manager at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, and Kirk Goodlet, Senior Director of InterVISTAS. Each guest contributes a distinct viewpoint to the conversation.

Kerry Renaud introduces the WHILL Powered chair system, an innovative solution empowering disabled passengers with independence and mobility within the intricate airport milieu. Curt Bryant provides operational insights on how airports are evolving to cater to the needs of all travelers. Kirk Goodlet concludes the dialogue with his expertise on passenger mobility, emphasizing the significance of strategic planning and barrier removal to guarantee equal access for all.

This episode is more than a conversation; it's an impetus for ongoing innovation and advancement in making air travel a smooth and dignified experience for people with disabilities. Tune in as we examine the advancements being made 

Join host Zannat Reza and Aislin O'Hara Kell, aging and accessibility innovation consultant, O'Hara Aging + Accessibility, as they explore the transformative potential of transportation solutions for older adults. They delve into the concept of transportation as a social determinant of health and its profound impact on the quality of life for older adults. Discover the advancements and innovation in other countries, such as volunteer driver programs and unique funding models. Gain insights into the challenges faced by municipalities in Canada and the importance of sustainable funding in creating age-friendly transportation systems.

Moving forward, they emphasize the need for national conversations and partnerships to address shared challenges faced by communities across Canada. In this episode, discover the potential of inclusive design and innovation in transportation, where accessibility & flexibility is key to improving the quality of life for older adults.

Chapter Time Stamps:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Zannat Reza introduces the topic of transportation for older adults and its significance in predicting well-being.

(00:01:04) Transportation as a Social Determinant of Health

Aislin O'Hara Kell discusses the impact on access to transportation on the lives of older adults with Zannat, & highlights the negative consequences of limited transportation options, including isolation and loneliness.

(00:03:21) Understanding Age-Friendly, Accessible Transportation

The concept of age-friendly and accessible transportation is expanded on, emphasizing the need for flexibility and tailored options through an example of an older adult with different transportation needs for various activities in their life.

(00:06:01) Canada's Standing in Transportation Solutions

Aislin highlights Canada's lag behind other G20 countries in terms of transportation solutions, they discuss examples of community transportation programs in the US.

(00:08:46) Funding & Insurance Challenges in Canada

Zannat & Aislin explore the challenges faced by municipalities in starting & sustaining transportation programs for older adults, and emphasize the need for all levels of government, philanthropic organizations, and corporations to collaborate.

(00:12:14) Corporations Supporting Age-Friendly Transportation.

Aislin introduces Toyota’s funding of the AARP’s Ride@50+ Program in the US, and discusses corporate partnerships with community transportation programs in the Netherlands

(00:14:43) Challenges and Considerations in Transportation Solutions

Aislin & Zannat highlight some of the obstacles, including accessible vehicles, driver training, cost implications of offering accessible rides, & routing.

(00:18:26) Accessibility in Public Transportation, 

With regards to creating accessibility in public transit, Aislin highlights accessible buses micro-mobility solutions, and other essential components and how they are being implemented in Canada & England.

(00:21:32) Exploring Technology’s Possibilities & Challenges

The potential of autonomous vehicles to support mobility is tempered with the importance of human interaction in transportation services for older adults.

(00:24:24) Collaboration at All Levels is Essential

Zannat & Aislin explore how individuals, organizations, and communities, can partner  and collaborate to innovate & solve problems in transportation programs in Australia & Canada.

(00:25:43)Future of Aging: The Final 2 Questions

Aislin  answers the final 2 future of aging questions we ask all of our guests.

• (00:00) - Time Stamps:
• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:04) - Transportation as a Social Determinant of Health
• (03:21) - Understanding Age-Friendly, Accessible Transportation
• (06:01) - Canada's Standing in Transportation Solutions
• (08:46) - Funding & Insurance Challenges in Canada
• (12:14) - Corporations Supporting Age-Friendly Transportation.
• (14:43) - Challenges and Considerations in Transportation Solutions
• (18:26) - Accessibility in Public Transportation,
• (21:32) - Exploring Technology’s Possibilities & Challenges
• (24:24) - Collaboration at All Levels is Essential
• (25:43) - Future of Aging: The Final 2 Questions