BACKGROUND
• Social Equity is a key component of sustainability that is too often overlooked and undervalued • Equity issues around aging and disability have received little attention in the field of sustainability
• The first of the “Baby Boom” generation turned 65 last month as we begin to witness the unprecedented aging of our population
• In 2008, 25.7% of Oregonians 18+ were living with a disability
ACTIVITIES
• Host an intergenerational campus-wide forum on the topic of aging and disability
• Training for students and faculty to perform ADA and universal design audits and reviews of campus and community facilities
• Work with PSU’s Transportation & Parking Services, Portland’s Bureau of Transportation, and the Portland Commission on Disability on several issues:
- Education on diverse-ability users of facilities for cycling, pedestrian activity, driving, transit, and paratransit
- Identifying key areas of accessibility features and barriers
• Conduct a model design charrette focusing on urban campus accessibility and visitability issues
PSU Organizations
Institute on Aging
Disability Resource Center
Transportation & Parking Services
ADA Policy committee
Student groups
Gerontology Association at Portland State University
Disability Advocacy Cultural Association
Planning Club
Non-traditional students and campus groups
Senior Adult Learning Center
Retired Associates of PSU
PSU Alumni Association
Community Partners
Portland Commission on Disability
Bureau of Transportation
OUTCOMES
• Better understanding of aging and disability issues at PSU
• Enhanced evaluation training, barrier recognition, and generation of solutions for students and faculty
• Develop a mobility education program in conjunction with PSU and the larger community
• Design feedback to be used by PSU’s ADA Policy Committee and others involved in facilities upgrades and development
• Develop a Guide for Best Practices for Creating a University for those of all Ages and Abilities
