Cutting the Curbs

Cutting the Curbs
by Deborah Copeland

Take a short stroll downtown, and you’ll quickly come across these. Not traffic cones or construction barriers, but curb cuts. They’re helpful features that benefit all people to help them access businesses, events, activities, and more. But have you fully considered the ripple effect of curb cuts and how the concept could vastly improve the lives of even more?

The term ‘curb cut’ originated from small ramps cut into sidewalks to assist wheelchair users navigate sidewalks. Later, curb cuts proved to have an even broader benefit, which we now refer to as a ‘curb cut effect.’  Chances are we’ve all used these curb cuts for multiple reasons such as pushing around strollers, using medical mobility devices, or pulling suitcases while traveling.

The curb cut effect is an aspect of Universal Design, which gets to the heart of the Rotarian four-way test for fairness, goodwill and benefit to all. But ‘curb cuts’ are not just structural, although physical accessibility in general remains woefully inadequate. Curb cuts and Universal Design include many aspects of the environment.

Incorporating aspects of Universal Design can also elevate the experience of everyone attending events. Including various perspectives in pre-event planning is critical for addressing a multitude of viewpoints.

Consider the following experiences. People with dietary restrictions reported they often wait 10-15 minutes while servers attempt to locate the gluten free or vegetarian option; some never receive their meal. Background music creates dramatic effects but annihilates the chances of conversations for many and is a common trigger for multiple types of anxiety. Many individuals indicate requesting accommodation such as wheelchair accessibility, dietary restrictions, or sign language interpreters can be challenging, and their requests for these services are frequently not given adequate consideration. Several prevalent factors contribute to why many individuals choose to avoid events entirely.

Creating an environment designed to attract and support all guests is more straightforward than it appears.

Ensuring buildings and parking lots are fully accessible is incredibly beneficial for creating a welcoming flow of the event. Open captioning, like closed captioning on your TV, supports everyone regardless of their hearing ability or seating assignment, so they can follow the program with ease. The presence of sign language interpreters can be easily incorporated into the program. Logical and clearly visible table numbering eliminates guesswork and allows more time for genuine connections and conversations. Detailed planning for dietary restrictions provides timely service during the event and communicates genuine care. The list of design changes that benefit all your guests goes on.

Cutting the proverbial curb at your next event extends a wide range of accommodation, while also meeting the Rotarian four-way test. How will you extend that fairness, goodwill and benefit to all?