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In Focus｜ International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Building an Accessible World Together

2024-12-05 10:45:07
Editor's Note

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (observed every December 3) was established by the United Nations in 1992 to raise awareness about the rights, well-being, and social contributions of persons with disabilities, and to promote the creation of an inclusive society. December 3, 2024 marks the 33rd International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The theme for this year is:“Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”This theme underscores the significant role of people with disabilities in modern urban governance: they are not only a group in need of care but also an active force driving innovation and urban transformation.

With the acceleration of urbanization, designing more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable urban spaces has become a key issue in global urban governance. Over the past decades, many cities have implemented innovative practices and policy advocacy centered around people with disabilities, actively promoting accessible community transformations and social structural changes. These efforts have not only enhanced the quality of life and social inclusion for people with disabilities but also promoted broader social inclusivity and strengthened urban sustainability.

This issue of In Focus will focus on a series of innovative cases on advancing urban accessibility. Through these cases, we will explore diverse solutions that leverage infrastructure development, policy innovation, and social engagement to enable people with disabilities to integrate more fully into urban life, foster greater social inclusivity and equity, and advance toward a more harmonious and sustainable future.


Bontang City, Indonesia 
Geospatial Based Persons with Disabilities Card and Services
( Deserving Initiative 2023）



The Government of Bontang City realizes that efforts to protect the rights and empower persons with disabilities will only be achieved if they have accurate and up-to-date data and information regarding persons with disabilities through name-by-address data collection. Therefore, the Government of Bontang City has developed a geospatial-based data collection for persons with disabilities integrated with terrestrial space in mapping the variety of disabilities and the types of needs of persons with disabilities. 

The initiative involves using geographic information system-based mapping technology in data collection and monitoring. It collects data on smartphones and conducts online monitoring through WebGIS. Data have been collected digitally and the results are displayed directly on a map on WebGIS so that data on persons with disabilities becomes transparent and accountable.

The results can be classified into 2 target groups, internal and external. The internal result is an increase in the performance of social welfare services for persons with disabilities following the minimum service standards in the social sector and an increase in the integration of government services and other public policies for persons with disabilities. The external result is an increase in equal opportunities for persons with disabilities according to their rights and an increase in social welfare for persons with disabilities without discrimination.

Learn more:
http://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/3342.html?lang=en


Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Svetly Park as a supportive space for open communication between every social category of residents
(Deserving Initiative 2023)



Svetly Park is an inclusive public space in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, covering 0.9 hectares. Constructed in 2022, it is located next to the local library for the blind and visually impaired. The park features tactile pathways to assist visually impaired visitors, along with “green landmarks” such as trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants that are specially chosen for their distinctive textures and scents, making them easy to recognize. An innovative aspect of the project is its intentional use of this urban space to host educational and social activities for the visually impaired while also involving local residents—particularly children from low-income families—in programs that promote personal development through mutual support.

Svetly Park functions as both a training ground and a social hub: it provides a physical environment where visually impaired individuals can practice independent navigation (using canes, tactile landmarks, etc.) and a cultural space for interaction through shared activities with sighted individuals. The project also has a positive impact on the broader community: by learning about the needs of visually impaired individuals, supporting them, and engaging with them, the project team, volunteers, and local residents have experienced meaningful personal growth.


Learn more:
http://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/3354.html?lang=en


Kfar Saba, Israel
The Unit of Community Services for People with Special Needs
(Deserving Initiative 2016)



Kfar Saba has been driving social inclusion for people with disabilities through a series of innovative initiatives, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These projects span education, employment, and community activities, offering support not only to individuals with disabilities and their families but also fostering a more inclusive society.

The cafe provides members of the Israel Mental Health Association with employment opportunities, enabling them to gain professional experience in a real-world setting and prepare for broader entry into the labor market. At the same time, the cafe hosts art performances and events that promote community interaction, enhancing public understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities.

Additionally, initiatives such as “Cycling in the Park” and “Building a Community” use sports and social activities to strengthen the connection between individuals with disabilities and the broader community. Through partnerships between the municipal government, businesses, and social organizations, resources are integrated to ensure the sustainability of these programs.

Kfar Saba has received multiple Akim Inclusion Awards for its outstanding efforts, establishing itself as a model for promoting the integration of people with disabilities in Israel. These initiatives not only improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities but also set an example for building an inclusive and equitable society.



Learn more:
http://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/763.html?lang=en


Büyük?ekmece, Türkiye
Our Disabilities Don't Have To Stop Us!
(Deserving Initiative 2014)



The program aims to support children with disabilities and their families in integrating into society and improving their quality of life. The program is registered with the the District National Education Directorate, offering services and support.

Initially, the program served 30 children with disabilities and their parents, providing employment support, psychological counseling, and skills training to help them regain confidence and economic independence. The program organised the handcrafts courses for the children and their parents and gave some places such as shops and stands to them to sell their products and contribute to the family budget. These courses not only provided children with disabilities with financial support but also helped them feel valued and socially recognized. Some children with speech impairments gradually overcame their challenges through participation in activities like the choir, learning to interact with their families and gaining more confidence.

The program aims to assist and support all 4,000 disabled individuals in the district and their parents across all aspects of their lives. And its objective is to facilitate their rehabilitation through both the activities organized by the project and the treatments provided at the hospital.

In the future, the program would like to found a “Scout House” where the children and parents do the activities together. The plan is to organise the seminars and give courses to allow disabled children to meet their peers in a safe place while participating in the cultural and educational events. In addition, it is planning to make children do the intern in the Health Faculties in the universities of their district according to their abilities. 

The program is renowned for its comprehensive services and care, providing crucial support to children with disabilities and their families, and has become a model for social inclusion and integration in Turkey.

Learn more:
http://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/655.html?lang=en


Shanghai, China
Yangpu Waterfront Barrier-Free Space



In 2022, the Space Accessibility Innovation Demonstration Zone was officially launched in Shanghai's Yangpu waterfront area. In order to ensure that all people can enjoy the pleasure of travelling along the river, public facilities such as handrails, steps, public toilets and drinking water facilities have been upgraded to be more disability-friendly. 

Yangpu also focuses on information accessibility for all people. It has developed an audio guide system to help visually impaired people find their way around. It also provides subtitles for audio information.

“Yangpu Waterfront Disabled Sunshine Comprehensive Service Center” is the core node of the barrier-free services in the Yangpu waterfront area. The centre provides handicapped parking space, wheelchair and crutch rental, audio guide, sign language service, accessible toilet, rest and social etc. It also links with other organizations to help people with disabilities find work and integrate into society.
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