Understanding Accessibility and Disability in the Planning Profession

As professionals whose work directly contributes to the ways in which built and social environments take shape, the decisions of planners can lead to places and systems that support or harm people with disabilities (PWD). Thus far, topics related to accessibility and disability have not been widely explored in planning research. This study presents the results of 11 semi-structured interviews with planning practitioners in Ontario, including their attitudes, perceptions, knowledge, and everyday practices related to accessibility and disability. Findings demonstrate that planners' understanding of accessibility and disability is generally limited, and that their education on these topics (both in school and during practice) has been insufficient. This paper details the contemporary position of planning practice in Ontario related to accessibility and disability. It proposes changes to the planning education system and the profession at-large to achieve a professional future that is inclusive of the varied access needs of PWD.