only confines but also elevates. It’s a place in which the walls aren’t echoed by the clanging of metal door but rather with the opportunity for every prisoner to rehabilitate read this. It is possible to have a transformative effect on prisons by embracing inclusive design. Prisons should reflect the diversity of human needs and be a place that is both secure and respectful.
How do we weave inclusivity right into the very fabric of a prison? Start with the cells — those small, often barren spaces that will be home to the inmates for the entire duration of their sentences. These cells are accessible to wheelchair users and equipped with adjustable furnishings. They also have controls and fixture that are within easy reach for people of all abilities.
Next, let’s talk about the bathrooms. These are spaces where you want to empower people and not limit them. A walk-in bathroom, support rails and an emergency call button are the absolute minimum. The idea behind this is to give every inmate the privacy and autonomy they deserve, regardless of their physical limitations.
But let’s continue. The spirit of inclusivity can be seen in the common rooms. In the chowhall, for instance. tables should be set up to accommodate inmates using wheelchairs or having other mobility issues. Libraries, gyms, classrooms, all of them are important places for personal growth. They should be designed keeping everyone in mind. The gym equipment can be adjusted, braille materials are available, and there should be hearing loops for the classrooms.
Even the outdoor spaces can whisper the message. Gardening that invites everyone to commune in nature, sporting facilities that all can enjoy, and paths that welcome both wheelchairs and walkers are touches that tell people, “You’re part of this Community.”