A qualitative research on the problem of accessibility of individuals with disabilities: The case of Ankara city center

In this research, it was tried to be understood whether the disabled individuals who reside in Ankara city center have an accessibility problem by using scientific methods and techniques. In this study, which was carried out with the qualitative research method, the data were obtained by the interview technique. In the study group of the research, 18 disabled individuals were included; 6 of the participants were physically impaired, 6 were hearing impaired, and 6 were visually impaired. The raw data obtained as a result of the interviews with the participants have been evaluated and analyzed under seven different categories that try to understand accessibility in the physical environment, public buildings, social assistance, decision-making centers, employment, education, and health. Although the research findings show that there have been improvements in the accessibility categories of "physical environment", accessibility of "public buildings", access to "social assistance", accessibility of "decision-making centers", "health", "employment" and "education" after 5378 numbered law enacted in 2005, it has shown that some problems still continue in the same way. Disabled individuals who reside in Ankara, they face with the obstacles due to inaccurate and incomplete physical environmental design, having problems in the exterior and interior of public buildings, It was determined that they could not reach decision-making centers, as well as their opinions and information were not consulted sufficiently, they were excluded from employment due to prejudices, and they were stuck in accessibility barriers in education and health issues. In other words, the problem of accessibility has become a barrier for the disabled people and have been the reasons for the low living standards. Consequently, unless the accessibility issue is resolved, it is understood that it is not possible for the disabled population to provide a contribution in many areas from participation in social life to education, health, and employment, and to benefit from basic services. Because as long as it is not possible to access and benefit from the said services without hindrance, it is not possible for the reforms and regulations made to go beyond staying on paper. Thus, the main issue that needs to be resolved for disabled people at the present time is the accessibility and limitations caused by that.