Ron Buliung – The Conversation

AI-powered assistive devices, like hearing aids, are changing how the people who use them experience public space. (Shutterstock)

July 2, 2025

AI‑powered assistive technologies are changing how we experience and imagine public space

Ron Buliung, University of Toronto

AI-powered technologies are increasingly being integrated into assistive technologies like hearing aids and prosthetics. This is changing how the people who use them experience urban space.

Les surfaces texturées sur les trottoirs des villes peuvent contribuer à rendre l’espace public plus accessible aux personnes en situation de handicap. (Shutterstock)

April 22, 2024

Malgré les progrès législatifs, la ville accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite reste un objectif difficile à atteindre

Ron Buliung, University of Toronto

Des décennies de mobilisation ont abouti à l’adoption de lois et d’infrastructures destinées à rendre les villes plus accessibles. Mais les expériences vécues montrent qu’il reste encore beaucoup à faire.

Textured surfaces on city pavements can help make public space more accessible to disabled persons. (Shutterstock)

January 22, 2024

Despite legislative progress, accessible cities remain elusive

Ron Buliung, University of Toronto

Decades of activism have resulted in legislation and infrastructure to make cities more accessible, but the lived experiences of disabled residents shows there’s still a long way to go.

Designing cities around the amount of time needed to reach services and amenities is a popular planning approach. (Shutterstock)

November 20, 2023

The 15‑minute city is a popular planning approach, but relies on ableist assumptions

Ron Buliung, University of Toronto

The idea of the 15-minute city has become popular globally. But this approach relies on ableist assumptions and doesn’t reflect inclusive urban design.

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