Final answer:
Adaptations like curb cuts and wheelchair ramps are required by Accessibility Planning and Universal Design principles, as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to facilitate inclusion and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adaptations such as curb cuts and wheelchair ramps come from a combination of initiatives, including Accessibility Planning, Universal Design, and legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These features are integral to creating inclusive environments that cater to the needs of individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have the same opportunities for participation in public life. Sidewalk ramps and Braille signs are not merely features of a built environment but are necessary accommodations required by the ADA to enhance accessibility for all.
The ADA, passed in 1990, largely catalyzed the push for such inclusive designs by requiring public spaces in the United States to be accessible to people with disabilities. This included not just physical adaptations but also institutional and educational reforms, like reasonable accommodations in the workplace and additional support within educational settings. Inclusion goes beyond mere physical adaptations; it requires the active participation of people with disabilities in community decision-making to ensure that their needs and perspectives shape public spaces and services.