Introduction

There are many things one can take for granted in the real world. Potholes, stairs, narrow side-walks or passages and signs are all obstacles or barriers that can be overcome rather easily. More often than not, individuals do not think about adequate or all-inclusive signs, traffic signals, easy accessibility to buildings and pavements with rails, and why it’s necessary for such to exist. In this world, being able-bodied is the norm and thus most things are created around this conception. This includes language, transport systems and the construction of buildings and streets. As a result, this reality poses major issues for individuals with disabilities managing in the physical world.

The concept of ableism is gaining awareness and is being increasingly highlighted and emphasized.  Ableism can range from language and behaviour to infrastructure. With regard to infrastructure, ableism is especially important for those who are disabled and require access to the amenities and services of the physical world. This blog, Integrating Disabilities will focus on measures to implement inclusive infrastructure within urban areas, for individuals with mobility and visual impairments. It will also highlight the need for such. ( Clear definitions of both Disability and Ableism are at the end of this post.)

Entry one presents two pictures which can be compared and contrasted to show infrastructural disparities where individuals with mobility impairments are concerned.

Image 1 showing stair way leading to the entrance of the port facility. (click photo to enlarge)

(click photo to enlarge)

Image 2 showing a section of a pavement design without a barrier for easy accessibility.
Source:  Design Rochester (2011) (click photo to enlarge)

(Click photo to enlarge)

Trinidad and Tobago, like the rest of the world, is a very diverse place made up of individuals with varying capacities. Therefore inclusion within various aspects of society is vital as it is important to accommodate the needs of everyone. This is especially important in creating a holistic society free of discrimination and prejudice. Urban areas are regions of a nation that contain the main governmental and commercial buildings. Thus inclusion is key within such an area since individuals with disabilities require the same access and services as able bodied individuals. The image below shows the main urban areas within Trinidad and Tobago.  Measures that can be implemented to ensure inclusion will be discussed further.

Image 3 showing map of main urban areas within Trinidad and Tobago.
Source: Google Maps (2015)
Edited by S. Nanda (click photo to enlarge)

According to the World Health Organization, “Disabilities is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Impairment is a problem in body function or structure; an activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action; while a participation restriction is a problem experienced by an individual in involvement in life situations.” Disability is a complex circumstance as it’s not just a health issue and reflects the individual’s body and aspects of the society and culture in which the individual resides. Overcoming difficulties experienced by said individuals requires intervention by the government and wider populace to remove social and physical barriers.

Ableism is essentially prejudicial attitudes and behaviours against or the disregard of the needs of people with disabilities. These disabilities include physical, mental or developmental disabilities. Due to the belief that such individuals need to be ‘fixed’,they are often viewed as abnormal or the assumption is held that they are not fully members of society.  (Smith, Foley and Chaney 2008)

References:

Design Rochester (2011). Design Without Barriers. [ONLINE] Available at:     http://designrochester.org/forum/2014/4/1/design-without-barriers. [Last Accessed 03 February 15].

Google Maps (2015). Major cities in Trinidad and Tobago. [ONLINE] Available at:             https://www.google.tt/maps/search/major+cities+in+Trinidad+and+Tobago+google+maps/@10.6405524,-61.4554932,10z. [Last Accessed 03 February 15].

Smith, L., Foley, P. I., & Chaney, M. P., (2008). Addressing Classism, Ableism, and Heterosexism in Counselor Education. Journal of Counseling & Development. 86 (e.g. 2), pp.303-309

World Health Organization (2015). Disabilities. [ONLINE] Available at:    http://www.who.int/topics/disabilities/en/. [Last Accessed 03 February 15].