Manifestations of spatial exclusion and inclusion of people with disabilities in Africa

Abstract

In this article, we investigated dominant manifestations of spatial exclusion and inclusion of people with disabilities in Africa. Manifestations of spatial exclusion include: design that create inaccessible spaces; socially constructed spatialisation that prevents people with disabilities from using and enjoying spaces in the same way as people without disabilities and harmful cultural practices, like concealment and institutionalisation. Spatial inclusion is promoted through law and policy in support of universal design, inclusive urban development, elimination of concealment and deinstitutionalisation. The authors argue that there are signs of positive progress towards spatial inclusion, but that problems that impede the implementation of progressive laws, policies and practices will have to be dealt with to ensure spatial inclusion for people with disabilities in Africa. Points of Interest: The human rights disability model supports communities which value accessibility of all spaces to all. Accessibility is more than physical access; it is also allowing all people the full use and enjoyment of a space. Despite laws, policies and practices that support spatial inclusion, the built environment is mostly inaccessible to people with disabilities in Africa. Concealment, a reality in many African countries, is a harmful cultural practice that is spatially disabling. Spatial inclusion of people with disabilities can be realised with a greater commitment to all-inclusive design, avoiding placement of people with disabilities in mental and psychiatric institutions, developing accessible urban spaces and better implementation of laws and policies.