Accessibility Issues Faced by Wheelchair Users: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Islamabad to determine the accessibility issues faced by wheelchair users in commercial areas. Participants with various disabilities, ranging from spinal cord injuries to partial or full-body amputations, were enrolled using a convenient sampling technique. Exclusions included mentally handicapped individuals and those temporarily using wheelchairs post-surgery but otherwise healthy. The study was conducted from September 2021 to March 2022. Data was collected from 277 participants using a self-structured questionnaire to determine the accessibility issues they face and analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Out of the total of 277 participants, 202 (72.9%) were males and 75 (27.1%) were females. Results indicated that 147 (53.1%) participants reported difficulty finding special parking places for wheelchair users. Additionally, 118 (42.6%) faced issues using sidewalks and walkways due to the absence of handrails, and 95 (34.3%) cited the lack of accessible routes as a major problem. The study concluded that most commercial areas in Islamabad are not wheelchair-friendly, lacking adequate infrastructure to facilitate hassle-free commuting for wheelchair users. The findings highlight the critical need for improvements in urban planning to enhance accessibility in these zones. This study's unique focus on Islamabad provides context-specific insights that differ from broader studies conducted globally. It emphasizes the importance of tailored solutions to address local accessibility issues. The results underscore the necessity of addressing these barriers to ensure inclusivity for all citizens.