Creating Barrier Free SC
In the implementation of Smart City, people with disabilities may experience inequality of access to information as Smart City includes massive transformation of digitalisation of many information and services. Exclusion from the Smart City may take the form of inaccessibility to affordable & reliable broadband connection, lack of digital literacy, inadequate technical support or even online content that are not designed to be easy to access and engaging for the people with disability. Thus, Kolotouchkina et al. (2022) introduces the four pillars for inclusive smart city that bridge the digital divide for this group of citizens, creating barrier free digital urban living.
- Digital Inclusion and Equity Leadership
Having city authority to engage with people with disabilities to ensure participation within the decision making process of the smart city development. This may take the form of having a digital inclusion officer and providing appropriate resources.
- Standardisation of Digital Access
This pillar is about providing clear guidelines for various city stakeholders to ensure accessibility such as implementing the “Principle of Universal Design”, applying Accessibility Standards or facilitating digital literacy training.
- Culture of Universal Accessibility
Training for digital inclusion should also be given to city employees and authority to create an environment that puts accessibility forward. City should also push for a multi-faceted approach that ensures a barrier-free access to the city information and services.
- Shared Commitment
Lastly, city authority should take the lead role in encouraging various stakeholders to be involved in creating the inclusive Smart City, through diverse social engagements and public-private partnerships.
Reference:
Kolotouchkina, O., Barroso, C. L., & Sánchez, J. L. M. (2022). Smart cities, the digital divide, and people with disabilities. Cities, 123, 103613.
