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Geography of disability is a branch of human geography that studies the experiences of people with disabilities in relation to places and spaces. A disability is any condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities or effectively interact with the world around them. These conditions, or impairments, may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, sensory, or a combination of multiple factors.
The geography of disability considers issues of accessibility, mobility and the landscape in terms of socioeconomic, environmental and political perspectives. Scholar Marian Hawkesworth, refers to the geography of disability as "a set of discursive and performative practices," which considers social and cultural aspects of disability, instead of solely on physical impairment.
According to the World Health Organization, about 15% of the world's population lives with some form of disability, of whom 2-4% experience significant difficulties in functioning. In Europe and America, the disability ratio is one in five people.
The report indicated that a person's living environment can affect their risk of non-congenital disability, including poverty, government investment in medical services, and their access to healthcare. The report also found that once someone is disabled, inadequate infrastructure and investment can worsen their condition. Data suggested that the environment had a particularly detrimental impact for people with bipolar disorder and traumatic brain injury.