HomeMy WebLinkAbout012 2025-04-01_report People First Goals Recommendations
People First Feedback Goals
Recommendations
2025 Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan Update
Introduction
This report synthesizes feedback from People First members regarding accessibility,
housing, public safety, transportation, and community engagement in Jefferson
County. Their lived experiences provide critical insight into the needs of individuals
with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mobility challenges. The
revised goals and policies in this document reflect People First priorities and propose
policy adjustments to better align Jefferson County’s Comprehensive Plan with the
values of equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
Goal to Edit: LU-G-6
Original: “Ensure transportation is safe, efficient, multi-modal, and accessible to all
residents.”
Recommended Revision: “Ensure transportation and public spaces are universally
accessible, considering the full spectrum of disabilities, including mobility,
sensory, and cognitive disabilities. Implement plain-language communication,
visual guides, and structured event schedules to improve accessibility for individuals
with IDD.”
1
HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE WAY THINGS ARE
GOING?
CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT A PERSON CAN DO TO
MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR OUR COMMUNITY?
WANT TO INFLUENCE THE FUTURE OF LIFE IN
JEFFERSON COUNTY?
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ENGAGE
JEFFERSON
COUNTY
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Commun1TY
WeLLness
PnoJeCT
Why this change matters
● Expands accessibility beyond physical mobility to include cognitive and
sensory disabilities.
● Ensures that public signage, government forms, and transit information are
accessible to individuals with IDD.
● Aligns with People First’s request for better training for government
employees on how to serve individuals with IDD.
Goal to Edit: LU-G-4
Original: “Support affordable and accessible housing options for all income groups and
needs.”
Recommended Revision: “Support the expansion of deeply affordable, designated
housing options for individuals with disabilities, including those with IDD.
Prioritize inclusive housing models that offer supportive services and ensure that
individuals with disabilities are integrated into diverse, multi-generational
communities.”
Why this change matters
● Addresses People First’s concern that housing for individuals with IDD is too
limited.
● Recognizes that individuals with IDD require stable, accessible, and long-term
housing solutions.
● Expands the county’s definition of “accessible” to include supportive housing
with services for individuals with disabilities.
Goal to Edit: TR-G-2
Engage JC, April 1, 2025
People First, Recommended changes to Element Goals
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2025 Periodic Update 2
Original: “Promote a coordinated and integrated public transportation system available
to all that is reliable, safe, cost-effective, energy efficient, and contributes to the cultural
and economic betterment of the residents of Jefferson County.”
Recommended Revision: “Promote a coordinated and integrated public transportation
system that is accessible, affordable, and reliable for all residents—including
individuals with disabilities who rely on Dial-A-Ride and fixed-route transit
services. Expand Dial-A-Ride service hours, explore Sunday transit options, and
ensure all transit infrastructure meets universal design principles.”
Why this change matters
● Responds to People First’s concerns about Dial-A-Ride availability and long
wait times.
● Recognizes that limited transit options on Sundays prevent many from
attending church, social events, and essential activities.
● Ensures that sidewalks, crosswalks, and bus stops are accessible for
individuals using mobility devices.
Goal to Edit: LU-G-9
Original: “Protect life and property from natural hazards and ensure emergency
preparedness.”
Recommended Revision: “Ensure that emergency preparedness plans account for
individuals with disabilities, particularly those with mobility and cognitive
disabilities. Improve public education on the tsunami alarm system, create
accessible evacuation plans, and ensure that emergency information is available in
plain language and visual formats.”
Why this change matters
● Addresses People First’s concerns that many individuals do not understand the
tsunami alarm system.
Engage JC, April 1, 2025
People First, Recommended changes to Element Goals
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2025 Periodic Update 3
● Calls for clearer emergency procedures and proactive safety planning for
individuals with disabilities.
● Ensures that apartment complexes and multi-unit residences have
accessible evacuation strategies.
Goal to Edit: LU-G-1
Original: “Ensure public participation in the comprehensive planning process.”
Recommended Revision: “Ensure public participation in the comprehensive planning
process by creating accessible and inclusive engagement opportunities. Provide
plain-language materials, offer multiple feedback formats, and directly involve
disability advocacy groups in decision-making processes.”
Why this change matters
● Ensures individuals with disabilities have meaningful ways to participate in
local government.
● Recognizes that traditional public engagement methods often exclude
individuals with IDD.
● Strengthens People First’s role in shaping policies that directly impact their lives.
Conclusion
People First members shared a genuine appreciation for Jefferson County’s public
transit options, community support systems, and ongoing advocacy efforts.
However, they also identified areas where accessibility, housing, public safety, and
community engagement could be strengthened.
By incorporating these revised goals and policies, Jefferson County can take
meaningful steps toward creating a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable future
for individuals with disabilities.
Engage JC, April 1, 2025
People First, Recommended changes to Element Goals
Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 2025 Periodic Update 4