Understanding the differences between universal design and inclusive design implementation: The case of an Indonesian public library

The promotion and protection of the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) are central to the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCPRPD), which is adopted in the Republic of Indonesia. Following the recommendation of UNCRPD, several Indonesian national regulatory policies advocate for the rights of PwDs and Universal Design (UD) implementation. The legislation operates over three jurisdiction levels adding complexity to disability policies in the country. In the case of buildings such as public libraries this is particularly problematic. Recognising that the public library’s role is in PwDs education and of the educational facilities improvement in previous research, this paper reports on a study to identify the barriers and opportunities for the Universal Design (UD) or Inclusive Design (ID) of Public Libraries in Indonesia.