As humanity evolves, so do our needs, and consequently, economic development and the urbanization process in general. Due to this, it is important to consider that an increasing percentage of the world's population now lives in cities. Therefore, the design of these cities is of paramount importance due to its impact on the well-being of citizens and the way economic and social activities are conducted. In other words, it's about how the city you live in influences the quality of life of individuals. That being said, today more importance is given to "SMART cities," which are those that use technology to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of services. So, what makes a city inclusive and accessible? The design and functionality of a city where a person with different abilities (whether physical or intellectual) resides will either facilitate or hinder their inclusion in society, their ability to work, and their independence.
Today, there are three significant aspects to making a city inclusive and impacting the lives of people with different abilities:
1. Physical Aspects:These aspects enable a person to move from one place to another in cities. This is fundamental for going to work, studying, engaging in leisure activities, visiting a doctor, or, in other words, carrying out daily activities. Some basic elements include wide sidewalks (for wheelchairs), smooth surfaces with ramps, no irregularly placed posts or lampposts, subway stations with elevators or escalators, traffic lights with auditory signals, signs with Braille information, and simple graphics. These elements allow people with disabilities to move freely and safely around the city.
2. Economic Aspects:Economic considerations should take into account people with disabilities when designing job opportunities, spaces, and consumer products. For example, adapted job positions, accessible buildings with wheelchair-friendly restrooms, spaces without harsh colors or noise, shopping centers with information points and simple signage. This enables individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities to contribute as employees and consumers.
3. Social Aspects:These aspects allow all citizens to share the same spaces, facilitating interaction and participation in the community. For example, parks with adapted swings, museums with disability-informed guides, and inclusive schools, among others.
Considering the impact of cities on the quality of life of all citizens, we provide the following link to determine how accessible your city is for people with reduced mobility (Vote and learn how we can promote more inclusive cities: [link]). As is well known, the European Union and the United States are promoting the development of accessible cities for all.
For example, in the United States, a company called Wallet Hub conducted an analysis in 2014 of the most disability-friendly cities. The analysis considered 23 indicators, including the number of doctors per capita, the unemployment rate among people with disabilities, and the number of parking spaces for disabled individuals. Overall, these indicators measured three dimensions: quality of life, accessibility, and quality of healthcare services, and the economic environment. However, the CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities believes that this study does not capture the full reality. For example, it did not include the adequacy and availability of public transportation for people with disabilities, which is a significant barrier in many cities. Additionally, it did not consider another major obstacle: the attitude of people in the city.
Meanwhile, in the European Union since 2010, the Access City Award competition has been held, organized by the European Commission and the European Disability Forum. Each year, the most accessible city for people with disabilities and older adults is chosen. The winning city in 2014 was Gothenburg, Switzerland, with the slogan "A City for All." They developed an inventory of buildings and public spaces to measure accessibility, including schools, nursing homes, libraries, museums, sports facilities, parks, and more. This count is maintained through an electronic database open to all citizens, allowing them to check if these buildings or public spaces are truly adapted to the specific needs of each user. Furthermore, the city's transportation authority has developed a Travel Planner, allowing individuals to find the most suitable way to travel based on their specific accessibility needs. As part of this project, travel instructors have been trained to accompany people who have not traveled on public transportation before, supporting them until they feel confident to travel independently.
While adapting a city for people with different abilities requires significant investments, the benefits will undoubtedly be enjoyed by all citizens. Ramps on sidewalks and building access will make mobility easier for the elderly and parents with baby strollers, for example. Auditory or visually simple signage will help children and the elderly navigate easily. Accessible and adapted public places will enrich social interactions for all citizens. These measures are straightforward and will allow all residents of a city to contribute to and enjoy it.
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