Leaving No One Behind: Including Persons with Disabilities in Urban Development and Community Life
What would cities look like if they were designed for everyone from the start? This interactive workshop explores how disability inclusion, universal design, and community-led approaches can create more resilient, accessible, and equitable urban futures.
Organizer: Aydin Khalilov, Disability Rights and Inclusion Expert, İndependent Living Center for Persons with Disability
May 21, 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00
(passed)
Summary
This participatory session examines how inclusive urban development can better integrate persons with disabilities into community life, housing, and public space. Drawing on experiences from Azerbaijan, Aydin Khalilov explores the role of universal design, ESG standards, and community-based rehabilitation models in creating accessible and resilient cities. Through case studies, collaborative mapping exercises, and group discussions, participants will identify barriers to accessibility and co-design practical solutions for more inclusive urban environments. The session highlights disability inclusion not as an optional social measure, but as a fundamental principle of sustainable urban planning and resilient city-making.