The Challenge:

In the Beqaa Valley, Lebanon, the ongoing refugee crisis has intensified the need for accessible public spaces and facilities. With a high influx of displaced individuals, many of whom have disabilities, the existing infrastructure often fails to meet diverse needs, hindering mobility and access for all. Click here to verify

"Accessibility is not just a convenience; it's a necessity for survival and integration in our community," - Layla (a local community leader)

The Solution:

Ahmad, a city planner in Beqaa Valley, introduced comprehensive universal design guidelines developed with the help of Gaza999. These guidelines are crafted to ensure that all public spaces are accessible and inclusive, addressing the needs of the community, including those displaced by the crisis.

"Implementing these guidelines is our step towards building a more inclusive society," - Ahmad (City Planner)

The Implementation:

Ahmad led a team of architects, disability advocates, and urban planners to craft universal design guidelines specific to Beqaa Valley's challenges. This collaboration produced clear, practical guidelines tailored to enhance accessibility across diverse disabilities.

Following guideline development, a regulatory body was established to oversee compliance, equipped with the authority for inspections, penalties, and incentives for exemplary adherence. Simultaneously, an extensive public awareness campaign was launched, involving workshops and multilingual materials to educate developers, government agencies, and the public about the importance and implementation of universal design.

Additionally, regular accessibility audits were conducted to assess public spaces and facilities, ensuring that new constructions and existing structures met the established universal design standards. This comprehensive approach aimed not only at achieving compliance but also at cultivating an inclusive community culture.

"Every step of planning and execution was aimed at not just compliance, but at fostering a culture of inclusivity," - Nadia (Architect and Team Member)

The Impact:

Since the implementation of the universal design guidelines, significant improvements have been made in the accessibility of public spaces in Beqaa Valley. These changes have not only benefited refugees and residents with disabilities but have enhanced the quality of life for the entire community.

"Our community feels more connected and supportive than ever before," - Karim (a local shop owner)

Lessons Learned:

• Expert Collaboration for Effective Guidelines: Partnering with specialists in architecture, urban planning, and disability advocacy was crucial in creating guidelines that are both thorough and practicable.

• Regulatory Oversight for Compliance: Establishing a dedicated regulatory body for monitoring and enforcement helped ensure that universal design standards are consistently applied and maintained.

• Public Education for Community Support: Conducting ongoing educational campaigns and engagement initiatives was essential in raising awareness about universal design and fostering community-wide support for inclusive practices.