“If I Was the Boss of My Local Government”: Perspectives of People with Intellectual Disabilities on Improving Inclusion

Phillippa Carnemolla, Jack Kelly, Catherine Donnelley, Aine Healy and Megan Taylor
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Phillippa Carnemolla: School of Built Environment, Faculty of Design Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
Jack Kelly: School of Built Environment, Faculty of Design Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
Catherine Donnelley: School of Built Environment, Faculty of Design Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
Aine Healy: School of Built Environment, Faculty of Design Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
Megan Taylor: School of Built Environment, Faculty of Design Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 16, 1-17

Abstract: Despite many initiatives to reframe and support inclusion for people with disabilities, people with intellectual disabilities continue to experience social exclusion in their local communities. This study shares the perspectives of people with an intellectual disability on what matters to them in their local communities. This study aims to inform local governments of the value of engaging with and listening to local people with intellectual disabilities and is an important exploration of how the social sustainability of cities is framed and valued by people who have historically been socially and geographically excluded. Focus groups and interviews were conducted in six local government areas, with a mix of metropolitan and regional areas, in two states of Australia—NSW and Victoria. The study analysed how 45 Australian adults with intellectual disabilities described their local communities and conceptualised better inclusion. The results were collated and organised by applying an adapted framework of inclusive cities. The participants expressed the need for safe, accessible and clean public amenities; accessible information; appropriate communication; and for people to be more respectful, friendly and understanding of the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. This study suggests that local governments can take action in order to improve social sustainability by engaging with local people with intellectual disabilities as citizens, advisors and employees, and by educating the wider community about respect and social inclusion for all.

Keywords: inclusion; social sustainability; intellectual disability; inclusive cities; local government; disability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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