Policy options of municipality towards disabled people and barrier-free city practices: The case of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality

ABSTRACT The aim of this research is to reveal to what extent Mersin Metropolitan Municipality's barrier-free city practices are compatible with the rights-based approach and how they are evaluated by people with disabilities. In this context, the research conducted interviews with visually and orthopedically impaired individuals. It examined how disabled individuals evaluate barrier-free city practices and to what extent these practices align with a rights-based approach. The field research was designed using a phenomenological approach, one of the qualitative research methods. Accordingly, in order to explore the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities regarding the barrier-free city practices of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, the research was conducted with 34 participants aged 18 and above, possessing varying degrees of visual and orthopedic impairments, residing in the central districts of Mersin-Akdeniz, Mezitli, Toroslar, and Yenişehir. Criterion and snowball sampling techniques, both falling under purposive sampling methods, were employed to identify the sample group. Data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted with a semi-structured interview form. The data obtained from these interviews were analyzed using content analysis technique. Themes were identified based on the data obtained from the interviews, and categories for each theme were created based on content analysis. The research findings reveal that barrier-free city policy and practices of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality are fundamentally structured around a rights-based approach, consistent with national legislation and in accordance with the stipulations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as the objectives outlined in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The research also indicates that the practices of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality align with successful models observed in both European Union cities and in Türkiye. However, it was found that individuals with disabilities encounter significant challenges related to transportation, accessibility, and the public's general lack of awareness and sensitivity. Additionally, these issues vary across different neighborhoods. Therefore, to better adhere to a rights-based approach, it is essential for Mersin Metropolitan Municipality to foster stronger coordination with district municipalities and enhance oversight mechanisms in this area. Key Words: Barrier-free city, Disabled Person, Rights-based approach, Mersin, Municipality.