Planning professionals have a duty to work in the public interest, providing equal opportunity and respect to all people within all communities. As disabled populations continue to grow, they continue to face minimal recognition in our country and worldwide. Treating disability as a minority issue cannot continue. This presentation will discuss my own first-hand experiences as a disabled person with dwarfism navigating built environments, my journey through the planning profession and how these experiences can change our perspectives of who is forgotten in our practice. This presentation builds on research completed at the University of Manitoba through the Master of City Planning Capstone process. It will cover how the CIP and other national planning associations can guide the profession, increase disability inclusivity, open the door for new generations of planners, and support the public we engage with.
