Allyship and Equity Community

One trend I've noticed lately in parking and mobility procurements is increasing emphasis on WCAG and digital accessibility requirements, which is great to see. But I honestly can't recall ever seeing requirements around broader cognitive accessibility or neuro-inclusive accessibility and design.

I have visibility into a lot of RFPs, SOWs, etc., regardless, my lens is somewhat narrow here, but from what I've personally seen, this just doesn't seem to come up in procurement language. It got me wondering what the actual landscape looks like and whether cities are beginning to view this as important enough to formally require in some capacity, whether through smaller, easy-to-implement design considerations or larger accessibility initiatives. With growing awareness around neurodivergency and hidden disabilities, and initiatives like NYC's Neurodiverse City exploring things like sensory overload, intuitive navigation and cognitive accessibility in public spaces, are more cities beginning to think about this in mobility systems too? If so, what does that actually look like today? Or is the general stance that it's too difficult to achieve, too expensive or simply lower on the priority list?

It also feels like this is an area where vendors could potentially be more proactively supportive as technology evolves, not just checking accessibility boxes but helping reduce confusion, friction and cognitive load in public-facing systems overall. Curious what others are seeing.

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Julia Scholl
Marketing Manager
Park Loyalty, Inc.
Baraboo WI
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Julia

I like that space and think it is a necessary conversation.  As a member who works for a municipality, I want everything you are saying and see the value in it, but budgets and the constraints of them in public parking will make that a challenge.  I see all of what you mention coming with a price tag, that adds to the stress of wanting to take this measure and being able to afford them.

This is where I think this country gets it wrong with mental health, these measures should be supported by government and pushed with the same tax benefits and discounts afforded pushing electric vehicles.  I think the human measure is a better investment now that, that industry for some to the tune of billions of dollars in buy backs, supports itself and the government should turn to a human component such as this, and the Sunshine initiative.

As a child/mother of military personnel, as an activist outside of parking with neighborhoods experiencing gun violence on a large scale, to women scared by the workplace, I know PTSD is out there.  Making it easier to travel in public spaces, especially for those who struggle asking for help is essential.   The cost of ignoring them is too high.

I love the conversation though and we should continue to have it and try to influence the outcome in a positive way, well done Julia.

 

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Faye Morrison
Parking Manager
City of Manchester, New Hampshire Parking Division
Manchester NH
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Faye, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences on this, and honestly for continuing to be such a strong advocate in this space. It is a shame that so much of it ultimately comes down to funding and budget constraints (not surprising), even when the human value feels very clear. I also completely agree there's still a major disconnect with mental health support. Awareness and destigmatization seem to have improved significantly (with room to keep improving), but the support through investment still lags far behind. I really appreciate your perspective.

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Julia Scholl
Marketing Manager
Park Loyalty, Inc.
Baraboo WI
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-14-2026 08:46
From: Faye Morrison
Subject: Neuroinclusive design in parking systems

Julia

I like that space and think it is a necessary conversation.  As a member who works for a municipality, I want everything you are saying and see the value in it, but budgets and the constraints of them in public parking will make that a challenge.  I see all of what you mention coming with a price tag, that adds to the stress of wanting to take this measure and being able to afford them.

This is where I think this country gets it wrong with mental health, these measures should be supported by government and pushed with the same tax benefits and discounts afforded pushing electric vehicles.  I think the human measure is a better investment now that, that industry for some to the tune of billions of dollars in buy backs, supports itself and the government should turn to a human component such as this, and the Sunshine initiative.

As a child/mother of military personnel, as an activist outside of parking with neighborhoods experiencing gun violence on a large scale, to women scared by the workplace, I know PTSD is out there.  Making it easier to travel in public spaces, especially for those who struggle asking for help is essential.   The cost of ignoring them is too high.

I love the conversation though and we should continue to have it and try to influence the outcome in a positive way, well done Julia.

 

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Faye Morrison
Parking Manager
City of Manchester, New Hampshire Parking Division
Manchester NH
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