Introduction
Jon Tyson
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Once the inclusive housing project has started, you will notice that it can be difficult for less abled persons to move around into the neighbourhood. Barriers to physical movements, to access to facilities/activities could take place. Depending on the needs and the problems faced by the beneficiary/ies, you will have to find solutions. Indeed, going to the restaurant, shopping, visiting an art exhibit centre, going to an appointment to the doctor/dentist or taking public transport are some activities that physical disabilities can obstruct. Allowing less abled persons to go where they want to go and do what they want to do is the aim of this module. We will reflect on the solutions we have regarding problems that can emerge. This cannot be achieved alone; you will have to identify the problems and needs and then, communicate to the right entity to solve them. Jon Tyson |
Task
David Knudsen
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Your task will be to go with less abled persons and identify the problems they encounter when they move around the neighbourhood or when they have an activity planned. Once the problems/needs are identified, you will reflect with the beneficiary/ies on the solutions/alternatives you can find. Finally, you will have to communicate/speak with the person in charge of the structure where you found out the problem. It will lead to a discussion. It means that you will have to negotiate and start advocating according to the situation and your legal knowledge. |
Process
First, go around in the neighbourhood and go with the beneficiary to its activities and identify the problems:
- difficult paths on his/her way to go somewhere
- no specified disabled access to a public (or private) building (sports community centre, library, restaurant…)
- difficult access to public transportation
- troubles to go to medical appointments
- …
Second, you list the problems/needs (“problems list”) encountered and start to write another column with some alternatives (“solutions list”) next to the “problems list”:
- changing itineraries depending on the destination
- start a discussion with the local person in charge of public transportation
- start a discussion with his/her doctor on inclusive access to medical facilities
- start a discussion with the owner of a restaurant on inclusive access for disabled people
- start advocating (call, mailing, meeting) for changes regarding the access to public facilities (roads, pathways, transport, building)
- ...
Conclusion
Less abled persons face many barriers with respect to their daily journeys, activities, or punctual appointments. Realising the problems they encounter and listing them will help you both (the learner and the beneficiary) to find solutions. Moreover, by starting discussion, negotiation, or advocacy with the competent person, you will turn yourself into an agent of change trying to have a positive impact into the inclusiveness of the neighbourhood. It can lead to concrete action in favour of the autonomy of the disabled persons. Don’t forget to work on your legal knowledge when you initiate an advocacy discussion/campaign.
Evaluation
- This will help participants to highlight the importance of local integration in an inclusive housing project.
- This will help participants to promote equal access to local facilities.
- Participant will learn how to understand the local culture will understand the positive impact of local integration on disabled people.
- Participant will learn how to identify problems and needs for reduced mobility persons.
- Participant will acquire skills of promotion of equal access to local facilities.
- Participant will acquire skills in needs and opportunities identification, activities’ planning, negotiations, and advocacy.
- Participant will be able to reflect on respect of diversity, awareness of neighbourhood about inclusive housing and networking.
Resources
Links
Disability Inclusion Strategies
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/disability-strategies.html
Ensuring Access for People with Disabilities
https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/implement/physical-social-environment/housing-accessibility-