Perception about accessibility in the community among wheel chair users with spinal cord injury.

Abstract

Purpose: To find out the perception about accessibility in the community among wheel chair users with spinal cord injury. Objectives: To identify the structural barriers in house, to identify the perception about accessibility in community, to detect the environmental barrier in community, to identify the barrier in spiritual and cultural participation, to find out the perception about family and social support. Methodology: A qualitative descriptive approach with semi structured interview used to conduct the study where eleven participants with SCI who had completed their rehabilitation from Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) were participated selected by purposive sampling method. The data were collected by using a semi structure open ended questionnaire form and thematic analysis to determine key theme arising from individuals with SCI. Result: Participants mentioned a number of barriers they face because of inaccessible accommodation in their house environment such as kitchen, limited access in toilet, inadequate space in room, narrow doorway. They also remarked that environmental barrier, inadequate ramps and faulty outdoor construction, hostile weather also a major barrier in their community participation. It identifies that, comparatively women wheel chair user experienced more barrier than man. Stigmatized social attitude and ignorance seems also a major barrier in community participation. They also remarked that, supportive family and good social relationship act as a strong facilitator for wheel chair user SCI person for their community participation. Conclusion: This study highlighted that wheel chair user’s perception about their inadaptable accommodation, inaccessible environment in community participation, stigmatized social attitude and also strong contribution of personal care giver in community participation. Participators felt that if society as well as government can legislation to advocate persons with disabilities for equal rights with the aim of moving towards an equal accessible society, these barriers can be removed. Key word: Perception, wheelchair user, accessibility, spinal cord injury.