Press Release: Inclusive Design and Accessibility of the Built Environment in Freetown

Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) and Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC) are delighted to invite you to the launch of this new case study considering Inclusive Design and Accessibility of the Built Environment in Freetown as part of the UK aid funded AT2030 sub-programme, ‘Inclusive Infrastructure’ - exploring the role of inclusive environments to enable equal access to Assistive Technology (AT).   

The event will showcase findings and recommendations for infrastructure, the built environment and urban development in Freetown while driving action for more accessible and inclusive cities globally. Building a picture of the current state of inclusive design and accessibility of the built environment, decision makers, local stakeholders and communities, international funders and global experts will set out the potential for inclusive design to address existing barriers to inclusion for persons with disabilities.  

Research conducted in Sierra Leone included interviews, co-design workshops and photo diaries with 15 stakeholders and 20 persons with disabilities living and working in the city.

Reflecting on the case study at this event will be: 

• Iain Mckinnon: Director Global Disability Innovation Hub.
• Mr. Francis Kabia: Director of Social welfare, Ministry of Social Welfare
• Mr. Sir lamin Korteque: Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities 

This launch event will be streamed for digital audiences. Register to join us on Thursday 13th April at 10am to hear more about the experience of persons with disabilities in Freetown, and the importance of an inclusive built environment.  

Inclusive Infrastructure is a sub-programme of UK aid funded AT2030, testing ‘what works’ to improve access to life-changing Assistive Technology (AT) for all. The research demonstrates how access to AT is dependent on an enabling and inclusively designed built environment. The Sierra Leone case study is one of six that help build a global picture of the current state of inclusion and accessibility in our cities through engaging local stakeholders and communities.  It explores the understanding of and potential for Inclusive Design to address some of the current barriers to inclusion while showcasing examples of good practice, supporting cities to be resilient, inclusive and meet global goals