COSP17 Digital Side Event:
Getting assistive technology to people who need it is only successful if the built environment supports its use. To create an enabling environment, the intersectional challenges experienced by disabled people must be recognized and addressed.
Over the last four years the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) has worked with partners across six cities as part of our AT2030 programme, to test ‘what works’ to improve access to life-changing Assistive Technology (AT) for all through the inclusive design of infrastructure. From Nairobi to Freetown, Colombia to Mongolia - we’ve researched city design in Low- and Middle-Income Countries to understand the current challenges and opportunities. By understanding what is working well and what isn’t, we are able to provide learnings for cities around the world to facilitate new understanding and action.
This side event will share findings and experiences, exploring emerging themes and recommendations and how these insights will accelerate other cities towards inclusive futures.
As we prepare to launch a Global Action Report on Delivering Inclusive Design and Infrastructure in Cities, we’ll share more on the important next steps for cities and the challenge of intersecting global challenges experienced by disabled people, and how these barriers must be considered from the outset to maximise AT potential. We’ll touch on the importance of mainstreaming AT within global challenges, through global and localised approaches to climate and crisis resilience, and gender, discussing what’s next to deliver inclusive and resilient cities.