Description

Encouraging greater access to transport, including public transport modes, can substantially transform the livelihoods of disabled people and their immediate families. People with disabilities are specifically recognized as a vulnerable population, due to the double penalty of societal discrimination and physical exclusion which often traps them in poverty. Inaccessible transport can make it especially difficult for disabled people to find employment, to gain an education and access health care, as well as limit their social and recreational activities. In addition, poverty is characterized by the inability to be able to afford to live in areas with easy access to social services. Ideally, disabled people should be able to travel locally or within urban and suburban areas using public transport and other modes with ease. Sadly, however, in cities within developing and transition countries this is the exception rather than the rule. This White Paper is aimed at improving access to transport and hence reducing mobility barriers of disabled people in developing and transition countries. Although basic problems faced by disabled travelers are similar worldwide, access solutions cannot simply be transplanted from developed to developing countries as clearly, priorities, resources, and operating conditions vary greatly. This paper utilizes principles of universal design to improve access to pedestrian and public transport systems for all users.