The makings of disability-inclusive sustainable communities: Perspectives from Australia

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First published online 01 June 2024.

Why this study was done

This study explored what makes a community truly inclusive for people with disability. While governments and organisations often talk about creating sustainable and inclusive communities, the voices and experiences of people with disability are frequently missing from planning and decision-making processes. The researchers wanted to understand what inclusion means from the perspective of people who experience communities every day.

What the study did

The researchers conducted a participatory study involving 97 people aged between 9 and 92 years from Queensland and Tasmania. More than half of the participants identified as having a disability. Participants shared their experiences of living, moving, working, and participating in their communities.

What the study found

The study found that disability-inclusive communities are built on five interconnected elements:

  1. Planning for human diversity – recognising that people have different abilities, needs, and ways of experiencing the world.
  2. People-centred governance – ensuring people with disability are involved in decision-making and community planning.
  3. Equity, accessibility, and ease of use – making services, buildings, transport, information, and public spaces accessible to everyone.
  4. Connectedness – supporting opportunities for people to build relationships, participate socially, and feel part of their community.
  5. Vibrant places and experiences – creating welcoming environments where people can enjoy recreation, culture, nature, and everyday activities.

The researchers also found that many communities continue to exclude people with disability because of inaccessible environments, transport barriers, discrimination, and planning systems that do not adequately consider diverse needs.

What this means

The study highlights that inclusion is not just about physical access to buildings. It is about whether people with disability can fully participate in community life, make choices, develop relationships, and feel a sense of belonging. Creating inclusive communities requires attention to social, economic, environmental, and built environment factors working together.

The findings suggest that governments, planners, developers, and community organisations should:

  • Include people with disability in planning and decision-making processes.
  • Design communities using universal design principles and natural elements to promote inclusion, wellbeing and comfort.
  • Improve accessibility across transport, housing, public spaces, and digital environments.
  • Create vibrant places and experiences that welcome everyone and promote joy.
  • Invest in social connections and community participation opportunities.
  • Recognise disability equity as an essential component of sustainable development.

This study was conducted by: Dr. Lisa Stafford, Dr. Matt Novacevski, Ms Rosie Pretorious and Ms. Pippa Rogers.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity, and approved by the author.

First published online 01 June 2024.

Why this study was done

This study explored what makes a community truly inclusive for people with disability. While governments and organisations often talk about creating sustainable and inclusive communities, the voices and experiences of people with disability are frequently missing from planning and decision-making processes. The researchers wanted to understand what inclusion means from the perspective of people who experience communities every day.

What the study did

The researchers conducted a participatory study involving 97 people aged between 9 and 92 years from Queensland and Tasmania. More than half of the participants identified as having a disability. Participants shared their experiences of living, moving, working, and participating in their communities.

What the study found

The study found that disability-inclusive communities are built on five interconnected elements:

  1. Planning for human diversity – recognising that people have different abilities, needs, and ways of experiencing the world.
  2. People-centred governance – ensuring people with disability are involved in decision-making and community planning.
  3. Equity, accessibility, and ease of use – making services, buildings, transport, information, and public spaces accessible to everyone.
  4. Connectedness – supporting opportunities for people to build relationships, participate socially, and feel part of their community.
  5. Vibrant places and experiences – creating welcoming environments where people can enjoy recreation, culture, nature, and everyday activities.

The researchers also found that many communities continue to exclude people with disability because of inaccessible environments, transport barriers, discrimination, and planning systems that do not adequately consider diverse needs.

What this means

The study highlights that inclusion is not just about physical access to buildings. It is about whether people with disability can fully participate in community life, make choices, develop relationships, and feel a sense of belonging. Creating inclusive communities requires attention to social, economic, environmental, and built environment factors working together.

The findings suggest that governments, planners, developers, and community organisations should:

  • Include people with disability in planning and decision-making processes.
  • Design communities using universal design principles and natural elements to promote inclusion, wellbeing and comfort.
  • Improve accessibility across transport, housing, public spaces, and digital environments.
  • Create vibrant places and experiences that welcome everyone and promote joy.
  • Invest in social connections and community participation opportunities.
  • Recognise disability equity as an essential component of sustainable development.

This study was conducted by: Dr. Lisa Stafford, Dr. Matt Novacevski, Ms Rosie Pretorious and Ms. Pippa Rogers.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity, and approved by the author.