Ensuring communication-friendly green and public spaces for sustainable cities: Sustainable Development Goal 11

In this commentary article, we explore the needs of people with communication disability in relation to sustainable and inclusive communities. More green and public spaces is one strategy identified by the United Nations in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for creating sustainable and inclusive communities. We argue that through thoughtful design, these spaces could address the needs of people with communication disability and foster greater social interaction thereby supporting mental well-being. We present a model related to planning and design of green and public spaces that may provide a useful framework for considering the communication needs of people with a communication disability.

Creative and practical approaches to planning green and public spaces, in consultation with local community members with lived experience of communication disability, helps to ensure inclusive meeting spaces that encourage connection over isolation.

Well-designed green and public spaces provide opportunities for natural communication for people with communication disability and may decrease their sense of isolation, thereby reducing the risk of concomitant mental health problems. Future research is needed to explore how stakeholder consultation could enhance planning processes and address the specific needs of people with communication disability. This commentary focuses on sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) and also addresses good health and well-being (SDG 3) and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).