Protecting the Freedom of Movement for All: A Proposal for Complete Street Policies That Prioritize the Needs of Travelers with IDDs and Autism in the Wake of N.J. Bill S147

Authors

Olivia Handelman, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Abstract

The note examines the groundbreaking implications of New Jersey Bill S147, which mandates the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to develop complete street designs specifically addressing the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (autism). This legislation represents a significant shift in complete streets policies, which traditionally focus on physical accessibility but rarely prioritize non-physical disabilities. The note argues that NJDOT’s implementation of these designs must include tailored strategies, such as mobility education, staff training, and improved signage, to ensure independent and safe travel for this population. By addressing these needs, New Jersey sets a precedent for inclusive transportation design.

Disciplines

Dispute Resolution and Arbitration | Education Law | Health Law and Policy | Law | Law and Society

Recommended Citation

Olivia Handelman, Protecting the Freedom of Movement for All: A Proposal for Complete Street Policies That Prioritize the Needs of Travelers with IDDs and Autism in the Wake of N.J. Bill S147, 31 Cardozo J. Equal Rts. & Soc. Just. 723 (2025).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/cardozoersj/vol31/iss3/7