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Maria Griva et al. Accessibility in vernacular settlements

the minimal associated conducted studies as a basis bilities in all areas of social life. In this context, the UN
for further development. On the other hand, it faces addresses architectural heritage because all individu-
the challenge of generating innovative research. als can access cultural commodities (UN, 1948, article
27.1). Persons with disabilities live, travel, and move
Theoretical Framework together with their family, friends, etc., creating con-
Key Theoretical Topics for Accessibility in Vernacular sistent groups in visiting destinations with appropri-
Settlements for a Holistic Experience and Sustainability ate access and services. (Fletcher, 2006; 2013; Lisney et
Given the lack of a comprehensive framework for al., 2013). In this line, CRPD (article 30, “Participation
issues of accessibility for vernacular settlements in in cultural life, recreation,leisure and sport”) stresses
Greece as “building groups” (see Introduction), one the right of persons with disabilities to participate in
major challenge of the current research is to form a cultural life “on an equal basis with others”. Accessibil-
theoretical framework that combines different aspects ity is the primary condition to ensure this right, and it
of issues related to persons with disabilities, accessi- refers to various aspects, activities, services, and plac-
bility in terms of sustainable development, and archi- es related to cultural life, including monuments and
tectural heritage, as well as theoretical frameworks sites. In specific, the CRPD states that States Parties
for built environment and learning and appropriate […] recognise the right of persons with disabilities to
technologies. The following sections present the vi- have access to cultural life with the appropriate meas-
tal academic topics defined from the first stage of the ures so that persons with disabilities “enjoy access to
present research and specifically from the literature places for cultural performances or services, such as
review. These topics form an interdisciplinary, multi- theatres, museums, cinemas, libraries and tourism
layered theoretical framework necessary to proceed to services, and, as far aspossible, enjoy access to mon-
the following steps of the study. uments and sites of national cultural importance”
(UN, 2006, article 30, section c). Furthermore, many
Persons With Disabilities and Accessibility others face mobility restrictions for different reasons
Persons with disabilities constitute a heterogeneous or in different periods (e.g., elderly, pregnant wom-
population with different types of impairments, while en, parents with children in strollers, and people with
the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disa- temporary injuries and chronic ailments). As a result,
bilities (CRPD) stresses the importance of “recognis- it is crucial to adopt theoretical frameworks and prin-
ing further the diversity of persons with disabilities” ciples that address people’s diverse needs. The present
(UN, 2006, Preamble, section i). Persons with disabil- research aligns with the international social agenda
ities face different types of socially constructed bar- and conventions for human rights and persons with
riers. Accessibility is a core factor and condition for disabilities rights (UN, 1948; 2006; Lawson & Beckett,
their equal participation in all aspects of life to fulfil 2021) and extends the investigation of persons with
fundamental human rights and freedoms (UN, 2006, disabilities accessibility in vernacular settlements’ en-
Preamble, section v). Based on the “social model of vironments.
disability”, disability is conceived mainly as a socially
created problem versus the “medical model”, which Universal Design
views disability as a problem of the person. A person’s The idea of an “average user” is no longer accepted in
functioning and disability are dynamic interactions architecture, design and other scientific fields (Mace,
between health conditions and contextual factors, in- 1988). In practice, as Mace (1998, p.5) states, “no “av-
cluding personal and environmental factors (Oliver, erage” actually represents the majority because too
1990; 2013; World Health Organization, 2001, chapters many people have vastly differing requirements”. To
3.2 and 5.2), which leads to the necessary environmen- address these diverse requirements, Universal De-
tal and organizational modifications as well as atti- sign is a framework that integrates the understanding
tudes for the full participation of persons with disa- and managing of the diverse humanity’s needs and

Proceedings of the 7th UNESCO UNITWIN Conference | 79