Inclusive Cities and Independent Living for Persons with Disabilities

This training focuses on the practical and policy dimensions of building inclusive cities that support independent living for persons with disabilities, in line with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the “Nothing About Us Without Us” approach. The training is structured around the understanding that urban inclusion goes beyond physical accessibility and requires integrated social services, community-based support systems, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes. Participants will explore how urban planning, social policy, and service delivery can either enable or restrict independent living. The training is divided into three main components. First, it provides a conceptual overview of disability inclusion in urban development, highlighting global standards, international best practices, and key challenges faced by persons with disabilities in cities, particularly in relation to housing, mobility, social services, and participation. Second, the training presents practice-based case studies from civil society and local service providers, demonstrating how community-based rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and independent living services are implemented in real urban contexts. Special attention is given to the role of non-governmental organizations as partners of governments in delivering inclusive urban solutions. Third, the training includes an interactive session focused on policy dialogue and practical tools. Participants will discuss barriers, identify opportunities for cross-sector cooperation, and explore concrete steps for integrating disability inclusion into urban policies, programs, and projects. The training is designed for policymakers, urban planners, local authorities, civil society representatives, and development practitioners. Its expected outcome is to strengthen participants’ understanding of inclusive urban development and to promote practical, scalable approaches that ensure persons with disabilities can live independently, participate fully, and contribute actively to urban life.