A Space for Me? Urban management and disabled people's access to the city in Braamfontein

Abstract

The theme of the research revolves around how urban management impacts the physical urban environment particularly regarding accessibility by people with disabilities. Most urban spaces tend to exclude people with disabilities through disabling environments that fail to accommodate a broader range of abilities beyond the stereotypical able-bodied person. The research explores the relationship between urban management and ease of access to the city by the disabled. The study seeks to understand the processes and challenges involved in the production and management of accessible streetscapes. The main research findings indicate that the management of the different urban functions influences how well the space serves users’ needs. Within Braamfontein, the focus area, there is a lack of coordination between different urban departments that influence the production of streets. This contributes to the inaccessibility of Braamfontein’s streets to people with disabilities. Ultimately, the research advocates for a more integrated management of urban functions and processes as a key means to facilitate more accessible urban environments.