An Introductory Theoretical and Methodological Framework for a Universal Mobility Index (UMI) to Quantify,Compare,and Longitudinally Track Equity of Access Across the Built Environment

Abstract

A new composite human development indicator—the Universal Mobility Index (UMI)—is introduced. A methodology is developed for the operationalization of the index. The UMI comprehensively interlaces at the node formed by the intersection of current social understanding of disability and policy affecting physical access in the built environment. The index quantitatively measures, comparatively rates, and longitudinally tracks equity of access. It is the first and only tool that measures the lived experience of physical access across all parts of the built environment, illuminating how barriers to mobility discriminately constrain the autonomy of people with disabilities to exercise their full human capabilities. The UMI empowers people with disabilities by incorporating their own assessments of barrier severity and prioritization. A policy environment component scrutinizes the inclusion of the opinions of people with disabilities in the policy-making processes affecting the built environment. Adoption of the UMI by government and nongovernment organizations can address the fragmented nature of current access considerations across the built environment and the exclusion of people with disabilities in the policy process that shapes this environment.