In commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), the Thrivescape Initiative has called for the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in urban governance and decision-making.
The organization, in a statement by its Communication and Publicity Officer, Oluwaseun Ayomide, lauded the resilience of persons with disabilities who find themselves in challenging, discriminatory, and restrictive environments.
As an organization dedicated to promoting inclusive and sustainable cities, Thrivescape highlights that this year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” aligns with its mission to ensure equal representation and participation in urban planning.
The organization noted that inclusivity and equal representation is crucial in achieving environmental justice adding that persons with disabilities should be active participants in the creation of policies and programs that affect their lives.
“At Thrivescape Initiative, we believe that inclusivity is at the heart of sustainability. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) represent an essential demographic that must not be left behind in the global pursuit of equitable development and environmental justice.
“We use this occasion to reiterate the need for urban governance to be inclusive of persons with disabilities, as this is the only way to integrate their diverse needs into policies, programming, and development,” the organization said.
By amplifying the leadership of PWDs, the organization believes cities and communities can be transformed into spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.
The organization also emphasized that built environment professionals have a crucial role in ensuring that public spaces are not only physically accessible but also reflect the diverse needs of PWDs.
“Accessible buildings and infrastructure serve as a concrete sign to PWDs that they are invited to the decision-making table.
“We implore built environment professionals to ensure that public spaces, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, transportation facilities, and other public buildings are designed and developed in line with universal access design,” the statement added.
Thrivescape called on professionals to collaborate with PWDs and disability organizations during the design and development phases to ensure their voices are heard in the process.
Drawing on the wisdom of the Yoruba proverb, “A kin fa ori lehin olori” (No shaving can be done without the presence of the head owner), Thrivescape advocates for more participatory design processes. By ensuring that PWDs are present in all stages of development, from planning to implementation, the organization believes cities will become more inclusive, enabling PWDs to actively contribute to decision-making and policy development.
On this International Day for Persons with Disabilities, Thrivescape also called on all sectors of the society to join the movement for greater inclusion.
“We urge government agencies, private sector players, civil society organizations, and individuals to come together and build cities and communities that work for everyone, regardless of ability.”