By: Ashanti Buckles

New Orleans, a vibrant city known for its rich culture and lively atmosphere, has long been a popular tourist destination. However, beneath its charming facade lies a significant challenge for disabled individuals seeking to explore its wonders.When it comes to accessibility for disabled individuals, the city falls short in many areas. As a wheelchair user myself, I have experienced firsthand the obstacles that hinder accessibility and compromise safety within this city. To gain insight on the issue, I have interviewed Ms. Yolanda Stewart, the mother of Jeremy Stewart, who has been using a wheelchair since he was a child. Yolanda and her children are from Natchez, Mississippi, and they moved to New Orleans when Jeremy was 2 years old. He was born with a brain tumor, but that isn’t what caused his symptoms. When he was an infant, he was in a car accident, which caused brain swelling. Because of the swelling, his speech, vision, hearing, and mobility is affected. Therefore, I spoke with Ms. Yolanda to understand Jeremey’s experiences.

Navigating New Orleans’ streets as a wheelchair user can be an arduous task due to numerous physical barriers. Ms. Stewart lives in an apartment complex in Algiers. She has told me about how the one-way path in the complex has many cracks, dips, and full-on blocks of cement that stick out from the rest. “Sidewalks with tree roots lifting concrete plates,” as Ms. Stewart stated, are a primary risk factor. In addition, the roads have debris in them, making it challenging to move around independently and safely, especially when she is trying to get her son to the car to take him to his appointments. She states that this is “very hard to do because the streets are uneven, they are broken up.” These obstacles not only limit mobility, but also pose serious risks to personal safety. Drainage ditches and manholes make it challenging to maintain balance and control while maneuvering her son’s wheelchair. This not only slows down her progress, but also increases the risk of accidents or injuries. Ms. Stewart did express concerns for her son’s and other wheelchair users’ safety when she stated “the risk of danger is that the wheelchair’s front wheels are always getting stuck and can cause the person to tip over.”

Furthermore, Ms. Stewart expressed frustration regarding the lack of curb ramps. Without these essential features, crossing streets becomes dangerous and nearly impossible for someone using a wheelchair or mobility aid. She told me that she often has to raise his chair or lift him up to get him over curb cuts. This isn’t just because of no ramps being there, it is because the ramp that is there isn’t available. “ A lot of people like to block the access [ramps] for wheelchairs.” This could cause harm to her and her son; her lifting could cause strain for someone of her ability and also risk him tipping over or being dropped.

I, as another wheelchair user, can also share the same concerns. Near my school, the accessible ramps that alerts people where the sidewalk stops and street starts launch wheelchair users into the street. On top of this, the streets have an arch shape, they are like a mini hill instead of being completely flat, making it difficult to get across before the light turns. Another problem lies in the narrowness of many sidewalks and walkways. I live in a house on the corner of my street and there are no curb cuts. I either have to go down backwards or do a wheelie to get down if I don’t have my mom or brothers to help. This is extremely risky because I can fall over out of my chair or tip backwards, which could trigger many symptoms and cause injuries. In popular tourist areas such as the French Quarter, crowded streets combined with narrow sidewalks create obstacles that hinder movement for everyone but especially those with disabilities. This not only limits accessibility but also poses safety concerns.

I also want to shed light on another aspect often overlooked – public transportation accessibility. While some buses are equipped with ramps or lifts for wheelchair users, not all routes have these facilities available consistently. This inconsistency often leads to frustration and limited mobility options for those relying on public transportation. Inconsistency of accessible transportation isn’t the only problem for us. The lack of disabled parking spaces can drive us insane. Our concerns are with accessible parking spaces being frequently occupied by non-disabled drivers who misuse these designated spots without consequence. This issue further exacerbates our struggles while trying to access essential services or attend social events within the city. 

Moreover, New Orleans’ historic architecture often presents challenges in terms of accessibility. Many buildings have steps leading up to entrances without ramps or elevators available as alternatives. This prevents individuals with disabilities from fully participating in social activities or accessing essential services. Ms. Stewart expressed that one time, she brought Jeremy to a building and had to ask to use the elevator, which was very inconvenient.

Now, Ms. Stewart did not have much to say about this topic, but as a disabled person myself, I am deciding to speak on this. One of the main reasons behind the inaccessibility of this city is the age of many buildings in New Orleans. With a history spanning over three centuries, numerous structures were constructed long before accessibility standards were established. As a result these buildings often lack ramps or elevators, making it nearly impossible for people with disabilities to enter or navigate them comfortably. My school, Frederick A. Douglass High School, has a few obstacles. The main one is that there are little humps at every doorway, making it hard to push over them sometimes due to my casters getting stuck.

 New Orleans’ unique architectural style also contributes to this problem. The city’s iconic shotgun houses and narrow streets are visually appealing but pose challenges for those with mobility impairments. Steep staircases and uneven surfaces make it difficult for wheelchair users or individuals with walking aids to access certain areas. To address this issue effectively, it is crucial that both public and private entities work together to improve accessibility in New Orleans. Retrofitting historic buildings with ramps and elevators while preserving their architectural integrity should be prioritized. Additionally, implementing stricter accessibility regulations during new construction projects will ensure that future structures are inclusive from the outset.

However, there have been positive developments in recent years. The city has made efforts to improve accessibility during major events, such as Mardi Gras, by providing designated viewing areas for disabled spectators. Additionally, some hotels and tourist attractions have taken steps towards becoming more inclusive by offering accessible accommodations and facilities.

While New Orleans may offer an exciting experience for many tourists, its accessibility remains a significant challenge for disabled individuals. Many able-bodied people overlook the inaccessibility of the city, unless they are driving on streets with a tremendous amount of damage. It is crucial that local authorities continue working towards improving infrastructure and enforcing accessibility regulations throughout the city. By doing so, New Orleans can truly become a welcoming destination for all visitors and residents regardless of their physical abilities. While efforts have been made to improve accessibility in recent years, there is still much work to be done.