Traditional approaches to inclusive design often overlook or misunderstand the needs of our neurodiverse population, but how can we create spaces where everyone feels safe and included?
The term “neurodivergent” describes a group of people whose brains function, learn and process information differently to the majority, leading to differences in their lived experiences and behaviour. An estimated 15% of the UK population is neurodiverse, and this percentage is largely made up of those who have a recognised condition or disability such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Tourette’s Syndrome.
Experiencing one of these conditions may fit the definition of a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010, giving legal protection from discrimination and the right to equal access and opportunities to people with neurodiversity.
Whilst traditional approaches to inclusive mobility focus on designs which accommodate physical and sensory disabilities, neurodivergent disabilities can also make public places inaccessible and are often overlooked. Many of the best practice documents that influence our designs and policies pre-date our modern understanding of neurodiversity or make vague references to neurodiversity without detailed explanations of how we can address the needs of those who experience it in our design choices. Resources that are out there are less well known and are often missed during best practice reviews.
In recent years, the private sector has been paving the way with progressive policies and facilities that make their products and services more accessible to the neurodivergent market and general population.
In the public realm, the needs of the UK’s neurodiverse population are less well researched and represented. Schemes which make streets more accessible to neurodivergent people often deliver improvement by coincidence rather than design.
Features such as noise absorbing green infrastructure/planting, improved signage and wayfinding and Real Time Information screens may indeed deliver positive outcomes for people with neurodiversity, but all too often this is an afterthought or evaluation outcome rather than a proactive consideration during the design process.
In both the public and private sector, inclusive infrastructure and services are all too often not supported by adequate training and enforcement, which can unintentionally lead to either abuse and over utilisation or overly stringent gatekeeping. In both cases the effectiveness and accessibility of the infrastructure or service are drastically reduced and, without due care and attention, a well-intentioned investment in accessibility can be rendered redundant. Post implementation monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that accessible infrastructure meets the needs of disabled people, including those who are disabled by their neurodiverse conditions.
To deliver truly inclusive projects we, as planners charged with designing and delivering transport and public realm projects, need to better understand the day-to-day experiences and needs of people with neurodiversity and actively engage them in the design process. Planning and designing better places includes designing for neurodiversity, but where can we start?
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