Smart cities, the digital divide, and people with disabilities

Abstract

Urban development that is both smart and sustainable is intrinsically linked to digital innovation in city management,as well as to the transition toward digital urban governance and the practice of digital citizenship. Cities on a global scale continuously launch new digital services and smart solutions in order to become places that are more resilient, efficient, and attractive. While digitally-driven urban development has become a new paradigm for cities, the digital divide is emerging as a serious concern when it comes to the goal of making cities accessible and inclusive for everyone, especially the most vulnerable. Issues such as digital inclusion and access to key urban services, information, and experiences by people with disabilities (PwD) are critical areas in which cities face important challenges related to ethical and responsible governance. The aim of this paper is to provide conceptual and empirical insights into the culture of digital accessibility of PwD on an urban scale. It argues thatleadership in digital accessibility can inspire transformative change, allowing cities to be envisioned from the standpoint of digital inclusion and equity, thereby fostering a barrier-free, digital urban logic.