Wheelchair users’ perspectives on barriers in public spaces in Vienna: implications for the development of a barrier information system / Barrieren aus der Sicht von Rollstuhlnutzern/-innen im öffentlichen Raum in Wien: Implikationen für ein Barriere-Informationssystem

Abstract

Abstract Background Wheelchair users often encounter barriers reducing community mobility and participation in societal life. Information on barrier-free routes may improve mobility and therefore societal participation. In addition to technical prerequisites, a routing system will only be effective and used by the target group, if the development process is based on their perceptions and needs. The aim of the study was therefore to collect data on barriers from the viewpoint of wheelchair users in Vienna. Methods A multiprofessional team conducted three focus group discussions with 22 wheelchair users from Vienna (maximum variation sampling, wheelchair-bound individuals and assistants). Data were analyzed qualitatively using inductive and deductive content analysis. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and the Occupational Performance Model (Australia) served as guiding frameworks during deductive data analysis. Barriers within the physical environment were further subcategorized. Results Barriers identified in all three groups could be assigned mainly to physical and socio-cultural environments. Most important physical barriers were ground conditions, curbstones and gradients. Other barriers were related to one’s own body, other people in the environment, and lack of information on structural conditions. Discussion Our results underline the benefit of participatory research and they demonstrate the complexity of barriers encountered by wheelchair users in the community. A routing system provides information to wheelchair users enabling them to avoid physical barriers in the community and to stakeholders enabling them to reduce and remove barriers in public spaces.