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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Phillippa Carnemolla & Jack Kelly & Catherine Donnelley & Aine Healy & Megan Taylor, 2021. "“If I Was the Boss of My Local Government”: Perspectives of People with Intellectual Disabilities on Improving Inclusion," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:16:p:9075-:d:613813
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yeh, J.C. & Walsh, J. & Spensley, C. & Wallhagen, M., 2016. "Building inclusion: Toward an agingand disability-friendly city," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 106(11), pages 1947-1949.
    2. Richard McGrath, 2009. "A Discourse Analysis of Australian Local Government Recreation and Sport Plans Provision For People with Disabilities," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(4), pages 477-497, July.
    3. John C. Bricout & Paul M. A. Baker, 2010. "Deploying Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to Enhance Participation in Local Governance for Citizens with Disabilities," International Journal of Information Communication Technologies and Human Development (IJICTHD), IGI Global, vol. 2(2), pages 34-51, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Olga Tena-Bernal & Marta Sánchez-Peña & Alba Gómez-Cabello & Carlos Salavera & Pablo Usán & Estela Calatayud, 2021. "Cognitive and Functional Differences in Aging with and without Intellectual Disabilities: Observational Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-14, September.

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