Blackwell, A. G. (2017). The curb-cut effect. Stanford Social Innovation Review.
Curb-cuts in sidewalks were a targeted solution to benefit a small minority, but ended up benefitting a variety of factions in different ways. Blackwell (2017) shares the story about Michael Pachovas, and other disabled activists, who created a crude curb-cut in the sidewalk in the inaccessible city of Berkeley, California. Students grew weary of “traversing the streets in a wheelchair (that) resembled the running of an obstacle course”, (Blackwell, 2017, p. 1). Technically, the first curb-cut appeared in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1945, but the act of civil disobedience in Berkeley, California, introduced the idea of accessibility to a larger audience. Soon, curb-cuts popped up in areas around the country, improving the lives of mothers with strollers, delivery drivers pushing dollies, and travelers lugging around baggage.
Blackwell (2017) deftly applies the curb-cut effect to solving problems for the most vulnerable in our society. “Equity means promoting just and fair inclusion throughout society and creating the conditions in which everyone can participate, prosper, and reach his or her potential”, (p. 30). If we truly believe in building an equitable society, then we cannot willfully ignore the social problems around us. We will only grow as a society if we create solutions to encourage participation in every sector.
How many discoveries have we missed by not creating targeted solutions for the most vulnerable? How does the wealth achievement gap hurt the entire society? As Blackwell (2017) notes, “When a country fails to include a large number of people in its economy – when it restricts the circle of opportunity – the economy is weakened and the whole nation suffers”, (p. 32).
L2: Demonstrate the ability to assess complex organizational environments and achieve communicative goals.
L4: Apply communication-centered scholarship to strengthen communication effectiveness.
D1: Iteratively develop inter-professional leadership competencies.
D4: Be equipped to influence change.
Keywords: racial equity, diversity, curb-cut, effect, achievement gap, Black people
