In Sri Lanka, the movement toward creating more accessible and inclusive public spaces for people with disabilities is gradually gaining momentum. Although there are policies and regulations in place aimed at ensuring equal access, the reality often falls short. Public spaces, including transport systems, government buildings, parks, and commercial areas, frequently remain inaccessible to individuals with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities.

From an occupational therapy (OT) perspective, inclusive environments allow individuals to engage fully in everyday life activities, fostering independence and participation. In this blog, we’ll explore the barriers to accessibility in public spaces in Sri Lanka and highlight the role of OT in driving meaningful change to promote inclusivity.

1. Current Barriers to Accessibility in Sri Lanka

Despite growing awareness, Sri Lanka continues to face significant challenges in creating truly accessible public spaces. These barriers not only affect people with disabilities but also restrict the participation of the elderly, parents with young children, and others with mobility challenges. Below are some of the most pressing issues:

• Inaccessible Infrastructure

In many cities and towns across Sri Lanka, basic infrastructure remains a major obstacle for individuals with disabilities. Roads, sidewalks, and public transport facilities often lack necessary adaptations like ramps, elevators, tactile pavements, or designated crossing points for people with mobility impairments or visual disabilities.

For example, many government buildings and services do not have ramps or wide doorways that accommodate wheelchairs, forcing individuals with disabilities to rely on assistance or avoid such spaces altogether. Similarly, public transport, which is a primary mode of transport for many, is largely inaccessible, with buses and trains rarely having provisions for individuals using wheelchairs or those with other physical limitations.

• Lack of Awareness and Training

Many public and private institutions lack an understanding of how to accommodate people with disabilities. This includes not just physical changes to infrastructure but also staff training on how to interact and support individuals with different abilities. The absence of education and awareness perpetuates the exclusion of people with disabilities from everyday activities.

• Cultural Perceptions and Stigma

In Sri Lanka, societal perceptions of disability can further exacerbate exclusion. People with disabilities are often marginalized due to stigma, seen as dependent or incapable of contributing to the workforce or participating in community activities. This marginalization can discourage individuals from advocating for their rights or seeking access to public spaces, knowing that they may encounter negative attitudes or inadequate facilities.

2. Occupational Therapy’s Role in Promoting Inclusive Public Spaces

Occupational therapists are well-positioned to address these barriers and advocate for accessible environments. The essence of OT is to empower individuals to engage in meaningful activities, regardless of their physical, cognitive, or sensory challenges. Through assessment, intervention, and advocacy, OTs can help Sri Lanka move toward more inclusive public spaces.

• Environmental Assessment and Design Recommendations

Occupational therapists can assess public spaces from the perspective of accessibility, identifying physical barriers that hinder participation. For example, an OT might examine a local park and determine whether pathways are wide enough for wheelchairs, whether benches are placed at appropriate intervals for people with limited stamina, or whether there are accessible restrooms.

These assessments form the basis for recommendations aimed at improving accessibility. This may include adding ramps, installing handrails, creating designated spaces for people with disabilities, and ensuring that signage is clear and visible for individuals with visual impairments. Additionally, OTs can advocate for auditory signals at crosswalks to assist individuals with hearing impairments.

• Inclusive Design Principles

OTs advocate for universal design, a concept that promotes creating spaces usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation. For example, a universally designed building would have wide entrances and elevators suitable for wheelchair access, clear signage for individuals with cognitive challenges, and tactile indicators for those with visual impairments.

Universally designed public spaces don’t just benefit people with disabilities—they also improve accessibility for the elderly, children, and pregnant women. By promoting these inclusive design principles, OTs help ensure that Sri Lanka’s public spaces are accommodating to all, regardless of age or ability.

• Policy Advocacy and Implementation

While Sri Lanka has policies in place, such as the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, implementation and enforcement remain weak. OTs can play an important role in advocating for the proper enforcement of these laws, ensuring that public spaces are designed or renovated to meet accessibility standards.

OTs work collaboratively with policymakers, urban planners, and community leaders to ensure that new developments and public projects incorporate accessible design from the beginning. This involves input into city planning initiatives to ensure that transportation, public buildings, and parks are fully accessible to people with disabilities.

• Training and Public Awareness

Raising awareness about disability and accessibility is key to creating more inclusive public spaces. OTs can deliver training to staff in public institutions, businesses, and transportation services on how to assist individuals with disabilities. This training might cover how to communicate with individuals who have hearing or speech impairments, or how to safely assist someone using a wheelchair.

Moreover, public education campaigns about the rights of people with disabilities and the importance of accessible public spaces can shift societal perceptions, reducing stigma and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

3. Creating Inclusive Public Spaces: A Path Forward

To build a more inclusive society, Sri Lanka must invest in accessible infrastructure and create environments that allow everyone, including people with disabilities, to participate fully. Here are some solutions moving forward:

• Government Commitment and Investment

The government of Sri Lanka must prioritize accessibility by dedicating resources to renovating existing public spaces and ensuring that new construction projects meet universal design standards. Regular audits and strict enforcement of accessibility regulations are crucial for this transformation.

• Collaboration with Occupational Therapists

City planners and policymakers should collaborate with occupational therapists to ensure that public spaces are designed with accessibility in mind. By bringing OTs into the planning process, Sri Lanka can ensure that the specific needs of people with disabilities are considered in all aspects of urban design.

• Expanding Awareness and Education

Community-wide awareness campaigns should be launched to educate the public about the importance of accessible spaces and the rights of individuals with disabilities. These campaigns should target businesses, public service providers, and the general public, encouraging a culture of inclusivity and respect for people with diverse abilities.

• Technological Advancements

Technology can play a pivotal role in enhancing accessibility. Apps that guide individuals through accessible routes in cities, online portals for reporting accessibility issues, and assistive technologies in public spaces can greatly improve the experience of people with disabilities. Encouraging the use of these technologies can complement physical infrastructure improvements.

4. Conclusion: A More Inclusive Future for Sri Lanka

From the perspective of an occupational therapist, accessible public spaces are essential for promoting participation, independence, and social inclusion for people with disabilities. In Sri Lanka, there is a clear need for improvement, but there are also opportunities to build more inclusive environments that benefit everyone.

By addressing the barriers that currently exist in public spaces—whether through better infrastructure, increased awareness, or more robust policy enforcement—we can take significant steps toward making Sri Lanka a more accessible and inclusive place for all its citizens.