Inclusive Cities
Introduction
The Inclusive Infrastructure sub-programme, led by GDI Hub, recognises that the built environment, the world where we live, dictates our ability to use the AT we need. Access to the built environment is a fundamental human right, protected by the UN CRPD. However, the world we have designed and built presents a multitude of barriers and challenges for many, including persons with disabilities.
Why Cities?
While both rural and urban areas are equally important, this research specifically addresses cities. Cities offer a dense canvas to work with where all aspects of daily life are encountered. Also, as a comparative research piece, consistency was needed and so cities was chosen as the focus.
Research Approach
Working with 11 local partners since 2020, GDI Hub has undertaken unique, qualitative and inclusive research to produce a case study report on six developing cities from around the world. The research focussed on People, Policy and Practice. Listening to local persons with disabilities helped understand the daily barriers, challenges and the opportunities and aspirations in each city. Analysing existing policy helped understand the national, regional and local government context including legislation, regulation and guidance. Talking to practitioners such as architects, planners and operators helped understand the realities of implementation ‘on the ground’.
Having completed this research in the six cities, the research team synthesised all the findings, working with the local partners, to compare the results. A Comparison Report was produced that details the common themes and highlights the unique aspects of each city. This work supported the creation of the final output, a Global Action Report.
The AT2030 Inclusive Infrastructure team including local city partners at a comparison synthesis workshop in the Olympic Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, September 2023.
Global Action to Create Inclusive Cities
The intention of this research sub-programme has always been to support action! The Global Action Report, based on 4 years of research and work, helps local/city authorities take steps that will support positive change resulting in a more inclusive city. In many cases, city administrations don’t know where to start or what to prioritise. The Global Action Report provides a comprehensive list of actions that cities can used to plan their own journey towards inclusion.
Outputs
All reports can be downloaded as a PDF. In addition to the Global Action Report and Global Comparison reports above, each city case study report is also available to download here.
City Case Study Reports:
- Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Varanasi, India
- Surakarta, Indonesia
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Medellin, Colombia