As part of the InclusiveSpaces project, Project Coordinator CambiaMO, together with project partners, hosted a Transnational Community of Practice (CoP). This online session brought together participants from Madrid, Hamburg, Larnaka, Budapest, Penteli, Geneva, and beyond. The group included local facilitators, people with disabilities, city representatives, NGOs, researchers, and transport providers.

The event created a shared space to reflect on lessons learned from local CoP activities and to discuss what makes public spaces more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Some key takeaways from the discussion were:

Inclusion Goes Beyond the Physical

Accessibility is not only about infrastructure. While features like ramps and elevators are essential, participants stressed the need to also consider emotional safety, inclusive communication, and cultural sensitivity. True inclusiveness means spaces that welcome everyone, especially women and girls in all their diversity, and people with visible and non-visible disabilities.

Voluntary Participation Builds Trust

Communities of Practice worked best when people could participate without pressure. Creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere encouraged more open and honest conversations about challenges in the built environment.

Rethinking What Inclusion Means

Several groups pointed out that inclusion should not be limited to physical access. People with sensory sensitivities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with diverse gender identities often face barriers that are not always visible. A broader understanding of access can lead to more thoughtful and inclusive design choices.

Technology is a Tool, Not a Substitute

Digital platforms and tools helped increase participation in some cases—especially in Hamburg—but they should support, not replace, real human connection. Assistive technologies should empower users and avoid adding new barriers related to digital literacy or access.

Context Matters

What makes a space “inclusive” can differ depending on the local culture and context. In some cities, the idea of gender-responsive design is just beginning to gain attention; in others, the conversation around inclusion remains focused on physical disability. Flexibility and awareness of local realities are essential when designing for inclusion.

Participants also shared some practical suggestions to strengthen the CoP approach:

• Share regular updates with participants about how their feedback is being used.
• Use visual and non-verbal communication methods to support participation.
• Involve local authorities and professionals to help turn ideas into action.
• Go beyond traditional accessibility standards by including cultural, social, and emotional dimensions.

Inclusive spaces are not just about meeting legal requirements, they’re about creating environments where everyone feels they belong. This Transnational CoP session reminded us that real progress depends on collaboration among community groups, researchers, policymakers, and people with lived experience.

What are the biggest challenges in making public spaces more inclusive in your city?
We’d love to hear from you! Contact us: info@inclusivespaces-heproject.eu to keep the conversation going.

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