Framework for Change: Progressing Planning for Disability Equity and Inclusion in Australia

Inclusive cities discourse is gaining prominence through global urban agendas, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 11 and the New Urban Agenda, which link ideas of equity, inclusion and sustainability. Despite this global policy context, there remains little tangible progress towards equity and inclusion for diverse people with disabilities, including in Australia, where this research is grounded. This article addresses this gap by presenting a framework of change to progress planning for disability equity and inclusion. The framework was generated from participatory community-based research involving 97 people aged 9–92, of whom 50% identified as disabled people from two Australian inner regional areas (small cities and towns). The framework outlines changes needed to rethink and plan inclusive, sustainable communities with diverse disabled people. While contextual, the emergent framework provides a novel guide for urban researchers, policy makers and planning practitioners to build capacity and stimulate thinking and action across policy, practice, research, education, leadership and governance.