“And yet we move!”

Bodies and experiences of disabled people in the ableism cities

Abstract

Cities have been designed and created to cater to the needs of the able-bodied population, individuals who are perceived as “strong,” “intelligent,” “whole,” “healthy,” and capable of moving on two legs. This approach, known as ableist urbanism, disregards the diverse range of bodies and fails to consider the variations in movement, pace, and speed among individuals with disabilities who also utilize urban spaces. This research utilizes case studies to explore urban mobility within the framework of interdependent systems comprising networks and flows. The interrelationships among people, infrastructure, and social agreements, characterized by formal rules and usage patterns, shape the support systems for mobility in cities. However, cities that exclude people with disabilities and their expanded bodies result in disconnection and displacement, compelling this population to establish their own networks and support systems. Data for this ethnographic study was collected through walking interviews and audiovisual media, drawing upon the Crip theory and critical disability studies as theoretical references.