In a world where the heat is becoming increasingly oppressive, a group of individuals with heat regulation impairments are calling for more accessible cool spaces. These spaces are not just about finding relief from the scorching sun; they are about ensuring the safety and well-being of those who face life-threatening challenges due to their condition. Anita Tippl, a 35-year-old with cerebral palsy and spina bifida, is one such individual. She loves to socialise with friends, but finding safe public places that offer air conditioning has been a lifelong struggle. Anita's experience highlights the need for greater consideration in creating safe public spaces for people who struggle to thermoregulate. Thermoregulation is the physiological process of keeping the human body cool when exposed to heat and warm when exposed to cold environments. As heatwave events become more frequent, thermoregulation should be a large consideration in urban planning. Dr. O'Connor, a climate and health researcher, notes that countries like Canada have free portable air conditioning schemes for regional residents, and in cities like Toronto, there is a maximum indoor temperature requirement of no higher than 26C in summer. In Australia, all states except the two territories have subsidies or concessions for those who experience heat dysregulation, but they are not publicised nor easily accessible. Disability support coordinator Lisa Turton has worked in the sector for more than 30 years and said it was common for regional clients to feel more isolated than their metro counterparts. She said some of her clients had put off important medical appointments due to the heat. Jordan Beech, a regional disability support worker and director of Riverland Active, said thermoregulation dysfunction was an issue many of his clients faced and was a barrier he wanted to see stamped out. Anita Tippl believes it is time for a website or phone application to be created, similar to the federal government's public toilet map app, which shows public spaces that provide cool and accessible facilities. The idea is something Dr. O'Connor believes would be achievable and beneficial to all Australians.
