IT’S MORE THAN A RAMP! The Comprehensive Accessibility Enhancement Package (CAEP) for Public Spaces

Abstract

Urban environments quite often do not meet accessibility requirements. This thesis examines how Cities can make their built environments accessible, inclusive and welcoming. Using a design and research science approach this thesis developed a response in the form of the Comprehensive Accessibility Enhancement Package (CAEP). CAEP consists of two key components: the Accessibility Enhancement Framework and the Accessibility Growth Model. The framework guides cities in setting accessibility goals, crafting policies, and establishing necessary procedures and tools. The model enables them to assess progress through three defined stages—Fundamental, Developing, and Advanced. CAEP was developed with expert feedback from accessibility experts, city officials, and disability advocates via two rounds of interviews. A case study conducted with the City of Mississauga demonstrates how CAEP can be applied for structured evaluation, continuous improvement, and benchmarking of accessibility and disability inclusion. CAEP is intended to be an institutional aid to help advance accessibility within urban built environments. With CAEP, cities can integrate strategic planning, cultural transformation, and innovative methodologies into their built environment-making process, thereby fostering spaces that are truly inclusive.