The level of integration of disabled individuals with urban life in the context of the right to the city: The case of Konya city

Being a person with a disability involves a state of limitation in every sense, and this limitation may sometimes require assistance from others in meeting basic needs. The increasing population of individuals with disabilities both globally and in our country has brought numerous legal regulations for the disabled to the forefront. Over time, with the emergence of various models, the position of individuals with disabilities in social and urban life has also changed. The right to the city for a person with a disability means that they possess equal rights in urban and social life like everyone else, and by cooperating with all integrated actors in the city, their disability does not become a disadvantage but rather integrates them into the city. In this context, it is necessary to produce solutions to spatial problems in cities by considering the special abilities and needs of disabled urban users. This study aims to investigate whether individuals with disabilities can fully and equally utilize their urban rights as determined by framework texts and legal regulations compared to other individuals. The goal is to establish a working method involving disabled individuals and all related actors, identify the rights of disabled individuals in urban spaces, and increase awareness of this issue within the planning discipline. The thesis aims to draw attention to the use of the city by disabled individuals within the scope of the principles of accessibility, cooperation, and integration as determined by the legal framework of the right to the city. In this context, it aims to examine the applicability and potential consequences of these laws and offer solutions to improve the situation. A survey was conducted with individuals with orthopaedic, hearing, and visual impairments living in the city of Konya, which was selected as the field site. Additionally, semi-in-depth interviews were conducted with all actors who have relationships with disabled individuals in the city. Through survey studies, data on the use of urban rights by disabled individuals were obtained by asking questions about their life experiences in the city, the problems they face, their needs, and their perception of urban rights. In-depth interviews were conducted to determine the role of local governments in defining and implementing the rights of disabled individuals, the advocacy and support role of disabled associations and non-governmental organizations in this process, and the difficulties and needs that disabled individuals face in urban life. The results of the study were evaluated using both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Through these interviews, the work of associations and local governments was examined, and the levels of cooperation and communication between them were determined. Survey questions helped identify the problems experienced by disabled individuals in urban and public spaces, and these problems were evaluated in the context of the right to the city. An examination of the activity reports of Konya Metropolitan Municipality since 2014 revealed that local governments care about disabled individuals and strive to carry out appropriate studies in line with the legal framework. The results of the in-depth interviews also supported this finding. However, according to the survey results with the participation of 105 individuals with disabilities, this effort is found to be insufficient for people with disabilities. It has been determined that while the city of Konya has reached a certain level in terms of the principle of accessibility, it is not at an adequate level in terms of the principles of integration and cooperation. Based on the interviews, various recommendations have been made to enable individuals with disabilities to participate more effectively in urban life.