Sanitation for People with Disabilities: A Framework for Research and Practice
Abstract
More than 15% of the world’s population has some form of disability, 80% of who live in low- and middle-income countries, where basic needs, such as sanitation, often go unmet. Due to environmental, attitudinal, and... [ view full abstract ]
More than 15% of the world’s population has some form of disability, 80% of who live in low- and middle-income countries, where basic needs, such as sanitation, often go unmet. Due to environmental, attitudinal, and institutional barriers, approximately 360 million people with disabilities lack access to improved sanitation, nearly 150 million of who practice open defecation, which, in turn, presents health risks to the broader population. Providing individuals with assistive technologies is the most common approach, as community health workers often seek solutions that do not require modifications to existing facilities. Designing inclusive facilities and/or rethinking infrastructure design may, however, be more effective in reaching a wider population and taking a step toward achieving the UN’s goal of “sanitation for all” by 2030.
Among the greatest barriers is the lack of research on the efficacy and scalability of solutions. What are the roles of cultural factors, such as individual and social acceptance of solutions? What are the roles of economic and technological factors, such as local capacity for design, production, and implementation? What is the interplay between policy revisions, attitudinal and behavior change, and modifications to the built environment? This paper, therefore, includes academics and practitioners from public health, environmental engineering, rehabilitation sciences, anthropology, and architecture, planning, and development, and provides a framework for future research and practice.
Authors
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Gauri Desai
(University at Buffalo, The State University of New York)
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Korydon Smith
(University at Buffalo, The State University of New York)
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Pavani Ram
(University at Buffalo, The State University of New York)
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James Jensen
(University at Buffalo, The State University of New York)
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James Lenker
(University at Buffalo, The State University of New York)
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Jane Wilbur
(WaterAid UK)
Topic Areas
II. Urban Health at the intersection of urban environment, social determinants and places , IV. Urbanism, Health and Wellbeing 4.1 Built environment 4.2 Pollution: air, noise, etc
Session
EFA-O-3 » Evidence for Action in Policy and Programs (08:00 - Monday, 4th April, TBA)
Paper
Sanitation_for_People_with_Disabilities_-_A_Framework_for_Research_and_Practice_08_Dec_2015.docx
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