The principles of inclusivity championed by urban planners in South Africa often clash with the harsh reality faced by people living with disabilities. This cognitive dissonance, described by Leon Festinger in 1957, is a daily struggle as we advocate for accessibility and inclusivity in theory while our cities remain riddled with barriers.
My recent book, People Living with Disabilities in South African Cities, exposes these critical gaps and urges us to reflect on the inconsistency between our values and actions. It is our collective duty to transform these spaces into accessible and welcoming environments. This article delves into the shortcomings of our urban infrastructure and societal attitudes, offering practical steps for creating truly inclusive cities.
South Africa’s built environment is full of physical obstacles that hinder the mobility of individuals living with disabilities, such as the lack of ramps in public buildings, narrow pavements, and inaccessible public transport. Despite being a major tourist city, Durban’s public transport system is not fully accessible, with limited options for those requiring wheelchair access. Many prime tourist spots lack proper infrastructure such as ramps and accessible toilets, making it difficult for citizens and visitors living with disabilities to fully enjoy these amenities.
Public areas often lack essential facilities for people with disabilities, such as accessible toilets, adequate designated parking spaces, and suitable seating areas. These are crucial for the independence and comfort of individuals living with disabilities. In Cape Town, though efforts have been made to improve accessibility, significant challenges remain in providing adequate facilities. Many public buildings and spaces do not have the necessary modifications to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments.
Inadequate access to public facilities or amenities for individuals with disabilities is often a result of urban planning that fails to prioritise their needs and consequently excludes them. Inaccessible health-care facilities and public transport lead to delayed treatments and poorer health outcomes for these people. Also, navigational challenges for visually impaired individuals are common because there are no comprehensive way-finding systems with Braille signage, tactile paths, and audio guidance in urban environments. The situation is worse in secondary cities and small towns.
While it is not the job of urban planners to create employment, we must create built environments that do not perpetuate the difficulties people living with disabilities face in finding employment opportunities
In the same vein, emergency-response systems often fail to address the needs of people living with disabilities. There is a lack of tailored communication, accessible evacuation routes, and specialist support services. Inclusive planning in emergency-response frameworks, involving disability advocates and incorporating universal design principles, is crucial. However, there is inadequate representation of people living with disabilities in decision-making processes, leading to policies and urban planning that overlook their needs.
While it is not the job of urban planners to create employment, we must create built environments that do not worsen the difficulties people living with disabilities face in finding jobs. According to an article titled “Disabled employees in SA more likely to flee their workplace”, published in the Sunday Times, a survey has found that, even where people living with disabilities have jobs, they are more likely to leave their workplaces due to unconducive office and urban spaces. Inclusive economic policies and designs that ensure accessible workplaces and urban spaces are crucial. Fostering a culture of inclusivity can help dismantle barriers and promote the participation of people living with disabilities in the economy.
Creating an accessible urban environment benefits both individuals with disabilities and society, fostering diversity and vibrancy. It is therefore important to highlight some important considerations. While these are not exhaustive, they serve as a starting point.
• Prioritise accessibility in infrastructure development. Ensure pavements, pedestrian crossings and parking areas accommodate wheelchair users and individuals with mobility impairments. Provide tactile paving and audible signals at crossings to aid the visually impaired.
• Provide accessible public transport. Equip buses, trams and trains with ramps, priority seating and audible announcements. Install tactile markings and Braille signage in transport hubs.
• Promote inclusive urban design. Use universal design in architecture, ensuring public buildings have accessible entrances, lifts and toilets.
• Enhance communication and information accessibility. Provide information in Braille, large print and audio formats. Use inclusive communication technologies such as text-to-speech software and sign-language services.
• Foster community engagement and participation. Engage individuals with disabilities in planning processes to understand their needs. Organise inclusive events and awareness campaigns.
• Prof Hope Magidimisha-Chipungu is the South African Research Chairs Initiative chair in inclusive cities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
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