Urban design impacts accessibility, say Buliung, Widener

“Transportation and grocery store distribution make Toronto inaccessible, U of T experts say,” features two UTTRI faculty associates, Professors Ron Buliung and Michael Widener who comment on accessibility in the GTA. The article was published November 15, 2020 by University of Toronto student newspaper The Varsity.

The articles states “the accessibility of a city is as much a matter of urban design as it is the architecture of its individual buildings or neighbourhoods.”

head shot of Professor Ron Buliung
Professor Ron Buliung

Professor Ron Buliung notes Toronto is far from a “barrier free” community.

Toronto’s urban design remains centred around able-bodied individuals, according to Ron Buliung, a professor in U of T’s Department of Geography & Planning.

When you’re next recharging your PRESTO card, ask yourself how well the PRESTO machine would work for someone using a power wheelchair.

head shot of Michael Widener
Professor Michael Widener

Professor Michael Widener researches food accessibility and says that time, financial, or mobility constraints can hinder the ability to secure adequate nutrition.

Constraints are much more pronounced in lower-income individuals.

Read “Transportation and grocery store distribution make Toronto inaccessible, U of T experts say,” The Varsity, November 15, 2020


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