What is disability? concepts and definitions (cont.)

Disability and the social environment (cont.)

The fact that the environment, whether social or physical, can interact with an impairment to create disability means that the levels of disability an individual faces within a particular context can be reduced by making changes to these environments. Furthermore, many such improvements are often beneficial to other groups within society, for example location announcements on public transport not only help those with visual impairments, but also travellers who are unfamiliar with the route.

Below are three case studies, highlighting ways in which this has been achieved.

The city of Curitiba, Brazil, has a public transport system that has become a model for other cities around the world. Known as a Bus Rapid Transfer (BRT) system, it has dedicated bus lanes which reduce journey times, as well as frequent buses and well-designed bus stops and stations, and an integrated system of routes which means travelling across the city is both convenient and seamless. These features benefit both individuals with and without impairments.

As well as these universal design aspects, considerable effort was put into making the transport system accessible for all. All bus stops in dedicated lanes have wheelchair lifts, and instead of steps the buses have extra wide doors and ramps. Additionally, the different types of transport are colour-coded, which makes the system more accessible for those who are illiterate. There is also a system of “parataxi” vans which provide a door-to-terminal service for those in need.

United Response is a UK-based charity that supports people with intellectual disabilities, mental health needs and physical disabilities. As well as providing practical services such as care in the home, employment support or housing management, they also advocate on a number of subjects, including the right of individuals with impairments to fully participate in society.

One of United Response's campaigns has focused on the need for accessible information on politics and current affairs if individuals with intellectual disabilities are to fully participate in political life. As part of this campaign, United Response began a series of accessible newspapers called Easy News http://www.unitedresponse.org.uk/press/campaigns/easy-news external link, which presents current affairs in easy to understand language, short sentences, and illustrated by pictures. This is important as if information is not presented in an accessible manner, it becomes impossible for individuals to make informed decisions.

The DAISY Consortium is a global initiative which works with authors, publishers and governments to create inclusive, accessible publications for all people with disabilities. This means supporting the creation of Braille, audio book and large print libraries, which are available at the same cost and ease as mainstream publications. When such publications are unavailable, individuals with visual impairments are restricted from accessing the same information which is available to those without visual impairments which often means they are unable to fully participate in society, whether that is in terms of education, employment, or cultural participation.

The DAISY Consortium also has a ‘DAISY for all’ programme which is aimed at capacity building in low income countries. In particular this involves developing and adapting open source software to be accessible and useful in specific local context.

There are DAISY focal points in:

  • Bangladesh
  • Indonesia
  • Kazakhstan
  • Malaysia
  • Nepal
  • Pakistan
  • Philippines
  • Sri Lanka
  • South Africa
  • Vietnam