Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is a basic human right for everyone. And there are both technical and social dimensions to consider. A four year project in Eastern Indonesia was funded by the Australian Government. The aim was to improve the lives of women and people with disability by focusing on improving access to public toilets. The project report outlines the issues, the context and how the researchers developed an inclusive participatory action research (PAR) approach.
There is significant learning from this project, particularly about their inclusive PAR method. The method is applicable to any marginalised group. The learning as it applies to women and people with disability are listed and include: attentive listening, accommodating differences in language, meaning and ability, building on individual differences, and encouraging creative expression and being flexible.
The recommendations include being open about the risks, challenges and failures of a PAR project; moving towards more transformative ways of working with marginalised people, and engaging in inclusive dialogue about concerns and contextual issues with all stakeholders.
When it comes to public infrastructure, the humble toilet is essential. No matter where you live in the world, they are essential for getting out and about. For many, toilets make or break any activity outside the home. They are the deciding factor about where to go and how long to stay out.
The title of the report is, Participatory Action Research (PAR) In Practice – WASH for Women and People with Disabilities.
Project partners included Plan International Australia, Water for Women, and Edge Effect.

Whether doing on-the-job training or giving a seminar presentation, we should all think about utilising the principles of universal design. Universal design for learning (UDL) isn’t just for schools and universities. The aim is to get the message across as clearly as possible – but our audiences are diverse.
Editor’s comment: I look forward to the day when all presenters take the time to create slides for learners instead of slides for their own teaching benefit. I shake my head when a speakers says of a slide, “oh I guess people can’t see that” and then goes on to explain it. They lose me at that point.
The natural landscapes of Norway conjure up pictures of fjords and wilderness with steep slopes. For some people, walks and bike rides in this natural environment aren’t possible. So one municipality of 1287 residents took up the challenge to
Residents had input into all the elements of the park including information signs and a BMX park. Local businesses were invited to tender for contracts, but some thought the investment too much. However, when tourism increased and the cafe trade increased the criticisms receded. The award winning Hamaren Activity Park now gets 10,000 visitors a year.
The
The technology industry needs more people who understand both technical and accessibility aspects of design. But they are hard to find. That’s because teaching and learning accessibility and inclusion in university courses is in its infancy. Helping technology students to get their head around accessibility for people with disability has its challenges. In his article based on a case study, Julian Brinkley discusses the challenges for teachers and students, but says it can be done.
First impressions might not be as critical as we first thought or were taught. This is especially the case with website start or landing pages. The Axess Lab has a good article on a
How many urban planners think about accessibility and disability from the outset? Some, no doubt. Urban planners also have to think about personal safety – it’s a core concern. But what about safety for people with disability? Do community norms play a role in design decisions? An article in The Conversation discusses this issue and begins:
Everyone should know about web accessibility, not just IT people. That’s because so many of us contribute to the digital world one way or another – social media, personal blog sites and the places we work.
Transportation researchers in Europe are seeking the best solutions for innovative and inclusive mobility. The 
Universal design isn’t just or only about disability. But it does have a major role to play in improving the lives of people with disability. The
Aspects of sustainability – social, economic, cultural and environmental – are all opportunities for designers. But what to consider and how to design? An article on ageing populations looks at design for all, universal design, inclusive design, human centred design, and biophilic design. The authors considered liveable, accessible, sustainable and biophilic designs. They conclude that universal design and biophilic design concepts create the best outcomes. 
