Affiliations: Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
Note: [] Corresponding author: Juan Felipe Almada, Rua Flamarion, 199
apto 225, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil. Tel.: +55 51 9907 7943; E-mail:
juanfa@feevale.br
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Considering the current experience of Persons with
Disabilities (PWD) seeking to join the labor market as well as improve their
quality of life, full accessibility is an important tool to enable their
integration into society. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study
was to identify ergonomics and accessibility issues faced by wheelchair users
and persons with mobility alterations when using public transport, from a user
perspective. METHODS: This was an observational, descriptive study, with
a quantitative approach to data analysis and discussion. The study sample
comprised 30 wheelchair-bound public transport users, and was drawn from the
membership of LEME – Associação dos Lesados Medulares de Novo Hamburgo
(Novo Hamburgo Spinal Injury Victims' Association). Data were collected by
means of an open-ended interview, which guided questionnaire development, and
direct field observations conducted during bus rides. RESULTS: Results indicate that the primary issues are the quality of services offered,
particularly the schedule and number of accessible vehicles, and the lack of
trained employees to aid wheelchair users. CONCLUSIONS: The paper also identifies issues related to accessibility and safety, both when accessing
vehicles and during transportation.
Keywords: Social inclusion, autonomy, safety, comfort
