Original Research
Accessibility for persons with mobility impairments within an informal trading site: A case study on the markets of Warwick, South Africa
Submitted: 04 March 2014 | Published: 21 November 2014
About the author(s)
Pragashnie Naidoo, Occupational Therapy Department, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaHelga E. Koch, Occupational Therapy Department, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Jassmine Anderson, Occupational Therapy Department, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Prashika Ghela, Occupational Therapy Department, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Perusha Govender, Occupational Therapy Department, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Nausheena Hoosen, Occupational Therapy Department, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Halima Khan, Occupational Therapy Department, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Abstract
Objectives: This case study aimed at exploring accessibility within the markets of Warwick for persons with mobility impairments by an ergonomic assessment, augmented by voices of participants within the market.
Method: A qualitative, instrumental, single case study design was utilised with purposive sampling of the markets of Warwick as the study setting. Multiple sources of data were gathered, such as semi-structured interviews, direct observations of an environmental survey supported by photographs, and the authors’ review of relevant documents. Transcriptions were analysed using NVivo 10 software programme with inductive coding.
Results: Whilst policies have been in place since 1996 to adjust infrastructure, the markets of Warwick still remain inaccessible to persons with mobility impairments and do not meet the standardised infrastructural design.
Conclusion: The findings of this study may offer a significant understanding of the complexity of accessibility within an informal trading site and create an awareness of the limitations this has for persons with mobility impairments. Additionally, these findings may assist in effecting a positive change in terms of the infrastructure of the Markets and in continuous advocating for the rights of persons with all disabilities.
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