Tactic 21: Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Accessible Design
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This tactic outlines the importance of accessible infrastructure in informal settlements, enabling people of all abilities to move freely and safely to essential services and community spaces. Focusing on people with disabilities (PWDs), elderly residents, and caregivers, accessible design makes public spaces and resources available to everyone, enhancing quality of life. By applying universal design, involving communities, and building resilience into infrastructure, this tactic aims to create inclusive, shared spaces that foster sustainable accessibility.
The Challenge
Example of poor drainage planning blocking the routes to amenities
Ref: AT2030
A woman walking with her guide in the informal settlement
Ref: AT2030
In informal settlements, infrastructure is often poorly planned, presenting significant barriers for PWDs and other vulnerable groups. Limited resources and space mean pathways are frequently narrow, uneven, and hazardous, making it difficult for those with mobility challenges to access essential services. Unclear policies and limited government support exacerbate these issues, leaving informal settlements with few, if any, accessible paths or facilities.
For example, settlements in Nairobi struggle with limited access to clean water and safe public spaces for PWDs. Water points and sanitation facilities often lack ramps or tactile surfaces, hindering independent use by those with physical disabilities. Furthermore, in crowded urban areas, the absence of accessible transit options, safe pedestrian routes, and well-designed public spaces limits both mobility and social inclusion for vulnerable groups.
Solving these challenges requires accessible design that integrates with broader infrastructure, and the involvement of local communities and governments in planning and maintenance. With an approach grounded in practical, adaptable solutions, this tactic helps create inclusive, user-driven infrastructure that meets diverse needs in informal settings.
Example of the impact poor drainage and sanitation has on roads in informal settlements. Ref: AT2030
While accessible ramps is the common element of universal access for PWDs that is implemented, a review & revise process gives room to broaden the definition of universal access and implement other aspects not commonly used.
Infrastructure that is friendly to the vulnerable in the community, PWDs, the elderly and children, tends to be safe for all road users. Thus, factoring in the tactic of Accessible Design for PWDs in implementing infrastructure is an effective way of improving safety.
To achieve accessible design for PWDs, it is advisable to include PWDs during the stakeholders’ participation process in the planning and design stage. This allows them to air their views on the challenges they experience when using infrastructure, so consultants can factor in their recommendations.
This tactic advocates for the upholding of community values by advocating for equitable access. It recognises that by creating an enabling environment, everyone can thrive with dignity despite being differently abled.
Infrastructure is often implemented without factoring in the needs of PWDs. Thus, they require assistance to use it. This tactic advocates for implementing infrastructure that allows unaided movement for PWDs.
Key concepts
Often, infrastructure does not factor in the needs of PWDs thus they need to be assisted in their mobility which is discriminatory against them. Accessible Design for PWDs advocates for implementation of infrastructure that allows PWDs unaided movement while using the infrastructure.
Intersectional Accessibility
Accessible infrastructure considers diverse user needs, accommodating various mobility, sensory, and physical requirements. Designing with an intersectional perspective—supporting PWDs, elderly residents, and caregivers—ensures spaces are usable by all, enhancing social inclusion and safety.
Functional Integration
Accessible infrastructure is integrated into multi-functional systems, connecting pathways, water sources, and communal spaces to avoid isolating PWDs. This approach supports broader community interactions and reduces the need for separate, segregated accessibility features, promoting inclusivity in everyday public life.
Participatory Infrastructure Design
Involving local residents, particularly PWDs, in the planning process ensures that design reflects real needs and contextual knowledge. Inclusive workshops with tactile mapping or role-playing exercises help all users provide meaningful input, resulting in spaces that are culturally relevant, sustainable, and widely supported.
Flexibility and Resilience in Design
Infrastructure designed with adaptability in mind can meet evolving needs and changing conditions. Modular ramps, handrails, or adjustable seating help maximise limited space and adapt to user feedback, ensuring accessibility remains practical over time.
Localised Ownership and Knowledge Sharing
Community ownership, facilitated through training and “accessibility champions,” empowers locals to maintain accessible infrastructure, conduct routine checks, and advocate for ongoing improvements. This local capacity-building fosters sustainability, ensuring spaces remain safe and accessible.
Factoring in these concepts when implementing infrastructure will lead to accessible infrastructure for all, since infrastructure that accommodates the needs of PWDs and other vulnerable users, the elderly and children, is suitable for all users. Moreover, it promotes the dignity of PWDs since they can comfortably move without relying on and depending on others for assistance.
How To
Conduct community assessments to identify accessibility gaps, focusing on critical areas like sanitation, paths, and gathering spaces. Community-driven mapping or digital tools pinpoint priority interventions and inform tailored design adjustments.
Create “universal access zones” that prioritise accessible paths, ramps, and tactile markers for visibility and navigability. Integrating diverse sensory cues and accessible pathways accommodates varied needs, enhancing movement throughout the settlement.
Design adaptable components like modular ramps or removable handrails that can expand with community needs. Flexibility in design ensures infrastructure serves both current demands and future adaptations, maximising resilience and cost-effectiveness .
Host participatory workshops that actively engage PWDs, caregivers, and local leaders. Use tactile mapping or role-playing to visualise challenges and collaboratively develop practical solutions, enhancing both inclusivity and community buy-in.
Case Studies
References
UNECE (Equitable Access and Participatory Approaches in Urban Infrastructure)
Bernard van Leer Foundation - Urban95 & AT2030: Accessibility in Public Spaces
GDI Hub – Inclusive Infrastructure and Participatory Design in Nairobi
UNECE Protocol on Water and Health, supporting inclusive policies and design
Global Disability Innovation Hub – Community Engagement and Accessibility Champions in Nairobi
Kenya-Inclusive_infrastructure_case_study.pdf
https://africa.itdp.org/publication/street-design-manual-for-urban-areas-in-kenya/
https://globaldesigningcities.org/publication/global-street-design-guide/
Patrick, M., Muldowney, A., Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa, Tanui, G., Bukachi, V. Campbell Clause, J. and McKinnon, I. (2022) Inclusive Design and Accessibility in Nairobi, Kenya. AT2030 Inclusive Infrastructure Case Studies. Prepared by the Global Disability Innovation Hub and partners for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Available at: https://at2030.org/static/at2030_core/outputs/Inclusive_infrastructure_case_study_Kenya.pdf
Patrick, M. and McKinnon, I. (2022) “Co-creating Inclusive Public Spaces: Learnings from Four Global Case Studies on inclusive Cities”, The Journal of Public Space, 7(2), pp. 93–116. doi: https://doi.org/10.32891/jps.v7i2.1500.