Incongruous encounters: the problem of accessing accessible spaces for people with dwarfism

Abstract

The recognition of disability as a social construct has aided in providing better access to the built environment for disabled people, through the implementation of accessible spaces. However, access to them is not straightforward for disabled people who do not match stereotypical representations of disability. Drawing on empirical data collected from semi structured interviews and photo elicitation exercises, conducted with people with dwarfism living in the UK, this paper shows how they are often challenged or denied access to accessible spaces, creating a hierarchy of impairments. Building on the notion of ‘statuarized spaces’ the paper demonstrates how access to accessible spaces is influenced by their representation, which differs from representations of dwarfism, leading to incongruous encounters. These incongruous encounters affect the spatial practices of people with dwarfism. A more varied representation of disability is required in order to provide people with dwarfism straightforward access to accessible spaces.

Points of interest

• The ideas explored in this paper are based upon research carried out with people with dwarfism living in the UK.

• Shows how people with dwarfism are told off or challenged by other people when they want to access to accessible spaces.

• The paper shows some of the ways people with dwarfism gain access to accessible spaces.

• The paper argues for a broader representation of disability in order for people with dwarfism to be recognised as disabled.

Keywords:

• Dwarfism
• accessible spaces
• representations of disability
• statuarized spaces
• incongruous encounters

Disclosure statement

The author declares that there is no conflict of interest.