Laws Are Not Enough: Unlocking Capabilities Through Innovations In Governance

Many factors beyond the legal system determine the ultimate success or failure of implementing comprehensive accessibility policies and programs. There are two main drivers for inclusive urban development: political commitment to inclusive practices, and the mechanisms and institutions needed to administer and facilitate them. This chapter explores how the narrative and conditions that determine equity and access in cities are shaped. There is a clear need globally to strengthen administrative and coordinating capacities and improve connections between cities and their citizens. This chapter highlights the importance of creating and disseminating information regarding accommodations, assistive technologies, and training throughout schools, community centers, advocacy organizations, and other social institutions. It defines leadership (executive and budgetary support), institutions (administrative and coordinating capacities), attitudes (beliefs), and participation (representation) as central evaluative criteria for evaluating progress at the local level. It also highlights how attitudes and cultural beliefs may produce negative associations of people with disabilities by assuming high dependency and individual fault, rather than pursuing policies aimed at equity, access, and inclusion.