Public Policy Research Paper

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Missouri State University, West Plains *

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Political Science

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Dec 6, 2023

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Sydow 1 Public Policy on the Implementation of Wheelchair Accessible Sidewalks Sara Sydow MSU - WP Political Science Dr. R.A. Pendergrass July 24, 2023

Sydow 2 Public Policy on the Implementation of Wheelchair Accessible Sidewalks The process of public policymaking plays a vital role in the lives of all individuals in the world. Public policy encompasses the actions that public institutions and public officials take to meet the challenges faced in the real world (Hill & Varone, 2021). The critical government purpose is to allow lawmakers to develop policies and then allow those working for the government to carry out the set policies. The policies have an impact on different spheres of life of all citizens. It is, therefore, vital that the voted leaders comprehend how the process of making policies work. It is required that all aspiring government leaders graduate from the programs that train them in the process. It is also required that all the leaders in government positions be ready to tackle challenges in guiding and coming up with public policies at federal, state, and local levels. Government officials create public policy to respond to an issue and involve what the government tends to do to address the issue. This paper focuses on the public policy implementation of accessible sidewalks for wheelchair users in West Plains, Missouri. Problem Identification As the aspiring mayor of West Plains, Missouri, I have recognized a pressing issue that affects the town. One issue is the need for wheelchair-accessible sidewalks around the courthouse square along the side streets with businesses and shops. Unfortunately, many disabled individuals in wheelchairs cannot access such businesses or be their patrons because of the issue. Meeting the needs of all sidewalk users, including those who use wheelchairs, the sidewalks should not only be wide enough for pedestrians and wheelchair users but have access to avoid any sidewalk curb. Besides, we should ensure that operations and designs for the sidewalk must adhere to accessibility standards. It is essential to note that the businesses in West Plains should be for everyone and, therefore, accessible to all. The lack of accessible wheelchair sidewalks

Sydow 3 promotes inequality, especially for individuals using wheelchairs. We are in 2023; why has the issue yet to be addressed? Agenda Setting It is the responsibility of the town government officials to ensure there is the existence of an accessible walkway and that those using wheelchairs can move from the courthouse to access the businesses and shops located along the side streets. The government provides its officials with enough capital to ensure that all individuals, including those living with disabilities, access adequate business facilities in the town. It is the responsibility of the government officials in town to identify the challenges facing their people and implement strategies that help mitigate such issues. The problem must be investigated since most individuals with mobility problems need help accessing their needs from town. If you are an aspiring artist, imagine your little sister cannot go to the local art gallery to see your latest work because her wheelchair cannot access the building. Furthermore, a professor with mobility issues fails to attend his lectures because he cannot cross the street because of the lack of accessibility to the building. Accidents involving wheelchairs may increase, putting people with mobility issues at risk if the issue is not urgently addressed. Therefore, the area's sidewalks should be accessible and comprehensive for pedestrians and wheelchair users. The issue of inadequate accessible sidewalks for wheelchair users is a political issue that should be addressed politically. As an aspiring town mayor, I propose formulating public policy to launch sidewalks accessible to people using wheelchairs within four blocks from the courthouse square in West Plains, Missouri, by 2026. The operation will ensure that disabled individuals with movement problems can patronize and access establishments and businesses in the downtown area without

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Sydow 4 limitations. I would suggest that an accessible assessment be conducted to ascertain the current situation on our sidewalks. The operation would require an initiative to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the infrastructure design of the pedestrians in the region to identify the obstacles and the areas that need improvement. Accessibility experts, members of the local community with mobility issues, and disability advocates should be engaged. Moreover, the guidelines for the implementation and design for the construction of accessible sidewalks for wheelchair users and the guidelines should be in line with the standards of the ADA of the American Disability Act. Additionally, it should be taken into consideration the current best practices in building accessible sidewalk designs. To implement the policy, I must meet with the town government authorities, specifically the current mayor of West Plains, Missouri, city managers, and the leaders of local businesses. Policy Formulation From the issue identified in West Plains and made into the town's agenda, I propose formulating two policies that should be adopted to complete the agenda. I would propose that a policy is put in place to ensure that the streets in West Plains are designed to provide sidewalks that are accessible and wide enough for the users to have no challenges. l would also formulate a policy to ensure that walkways for those using wheelchairs are designed to prioritize removing uneven surfaces, steps, and other barriers that may impede accessibility. Pros and Cons of the Policy The people of West Plains may think my policy will impact positively by creating an equitable and inclusive society that welcomes individuals of all abilities. Another benefit that the policy will provide is to rectify and reduce the existing accessibility gap and to ensure that the independent rights of people with movement disability are enhanced. Also, the UN adopted

Sydow 5 disability rights that dictate how such individuals should be treated in society (Morris, 2020). In addition, a positive outcome of formulating the policy is that it will foster a prosperous and more vibrant society where all can contribute and participate in the local businesses and community. However, the policy may have some negative feedback because it requires a significant amount of capital that may be limited. To implement the policy, I must meet with the West Plains town government authorities, specifically the current mayor, city managers, and the leaders of local businesses. Implementation The policy requires three years, starting from 2023 to 2026, to allow for complete implementation. Since it is a policy that requires designing accessible sidewalks for the wheelchair user, it requires funding of 40,000 US dollars to construct and maintain accessible sidewalks for wheelchair users. The policymakers indicate that engaging citizens and shareholders in policymaking enhance collaboration (Deserti et al., 2020). Since the town authority cannot contribute all the amount to cater for such operations, additional funding will be obtained from association with other businesses, society fundraising, and grants. The financial sources will ensure the project's financial feasibility. The resources required for the project include gravel, gravel binders, edging, and landscape fabrics (Hart, 2022). According to Olumolade (2021), construction workers and architects follow building regulations and codes. Therefore, the town will use landscape architects and the help of the town government officials to implement the policy. The West Plains town mayor and the city manager are the ones to ensure the policy is implemented. Policy Evaluation

Sydow 6 The policy can be evaluated by examining whether the complaints about such sidewalks continue to increase or reduce. Also, the policy can be evaluated to work when about 200 individuals with a mobility disability can access the business services and establishments in West Plains. The town has about 250 individuals with mobility issues, meaning 200 will be more than three-quarters of the population, which is a good number. The policy will be evaluated to be successful if it helps more than three-quarters of the disabled population. The probable project bad outcome is when the parties involved use the resources required but not effectively. It may lead to the construction of accessible sidewalks that may not be firm enough, resistant enough, or a surface that is not flip-resistant. In a case where such mistakes occur, it would increase wheelchair accidents. When the inefficient use of resources occurs, extra resources are set aside for correct construction. Enough finance needs to be set aside to pay for other architects who can do the work adequately and design such surfaces considered by the ADA standards. Objectives The proposed and implemented policy can be evaluated by the increase in the number of people with mobility disability accessing the town services. The increase is estimated to be within three years of implementation, and the estimated cost for the project is 40,000 US dollars. Still, the project will ensure high economic growth by about 5% through taxes, allowing all individuals, including those with mobility issues, to contribute to the local authority. The annual revenue collected from the town businesses will be approximately 55,000 US dollars. The project's long-run benefit will be much higher than the implementation cost. Soliciting feedback from the community and accessibility experts helps to determine whether the policy is working and making needed improvements and adjustments. Subjective

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Sydow 7 Since West Plains, Missouri, public policymaking plays a vital role in the lives of all individuals, most of the proposed policies have to be evaluated before they are implemented. Hence, to evaluate if the proposed and implemented policy works, it must indicate that the revenue gained is more than the capital spent in implementing the policy. If many individuals vote for the policy, it shows that it benefits the community's people. Voting would involve using ballot boxes and ballot papers, and then counting is done. It is successful if more than two-thirds of voters vote for the policy. A feedback survey from individuals with mobility issues will be conducted to assess the policy's subjective success. If more than three-quarters have positive feedback, then the policy is successful. Additionally, interviews will be conducted to get the views of the concerned persons. By formulating and implementing the policy on the sidewalks accessible for individuals using wheelchairs in the courthouse square area, an essential step towards establishing a more equitable and inclusive will be taken. It is worth noting that the policy will respond to the needs of people with movement problems and demonstrate the vow to create a town with equal opportunity, accessibility, and values of town diversity. Working together ensures that none is left behind, and it fosters a society where all can fully participate and enjoy the benefits of the thriving local economy. Besides, such policies come with benefits not limited to fostering a prosperous and more vibrant society where all can contribute and participate in the local community.

Sydow 8 References Deserti, A., Rizzo, F., & Smallman, M. (2020). Experimenting with co-design in STI policy making. Policy Design and Practice , 3 (2), 135–149. https://doi.org/10.1080/25741292.2020.1764692 Hart, E. (2022, July 25). How do I make a gravel path or patio wheelchair accessible? Washington Rock Quarries. https://www.wa-rock.com/ask-the-rock-how-do-i-make-a- gravel-surface-wheelchair-accessible/#:~:text=The%20key%20is%20to%20find,granite %20is%20a%20good%20substitute. Hill, M., & Varone, F. (2021). The public policy process . Routledge. Morris, F. (2020). Accessible and inclusive city: Can kingston jamaica measure up? Disability Studies Quarterly , 40 (2). https://doi.org/10.18061/dsq.v40i2.6682 Olumolade, M. O. (2021, March), Making College Campus Wheelchair Accessible: Students Perspective Paper presented at 2021 ASEE North Central Section Conference, University of Toledo, Ohio. https://peer.asee.org/36348 “Health and Nutrition of West Plains, Mo Residents.” Health and Nutrition of West Plains, MO Residents: Sexual Behavior, Medical Conditions, Reproductive Health, Mental Health, Consumer Behavior, Physical Activity, Oral Health, Taste & Smell, Audiometry, Diet Behavior & Nutrition, and More , www.city-data.com/health-nutrition/West-Plains- Missouri.html. Accessed 24 July 2023.

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