Abstract
BackgroundThere are a number of informal trading sites across cities in sub-Saharan Africa, of which the markets of Warwick is one example. Since the informal economy is an important contributor to a city’s economy as well as a source of employment, it is important for these sites to be accessible for all persons. Whilst the South African government has put structures in place to identify and remove environmental barriers in order to meet the individual needs of persons with mobility impairments and improve their quality of life, persons with mobility impairments still face barriers and restricting environments that prevent them from participating in society and its social and economic activities.ObjectivesThis 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.MethodA 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.ResultsWhilst 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.ConclusionThe 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.
Highlights
Twenty years into South Africa’s democracy, there has been a significant improvement in recognising the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Whilst policies have been in place since 1996 to adjust infrastructure, the markets still remain inaccessible to persons with mobility impairments and do not meet the standardised infrastructural design
Findings of this study may be invaluable in effecting a positive change in terms of the infrastructure of informal trading sites and improving accessibility for persons with mobility impairments
Summary
Twenty years into South Africa’s democracy, there has been a significant improvement in recognising the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. South Africa was one of the countries to sign the treaty that emerged from the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, thereby agreeing to ensure that individuals who have mobility impairments have access on an equal basis with others, to the physical environment, transportation, information and communications – including information and communications technologies and systems and other facilities and services open or provided to the public, both in urban and in rural areas (United Nations General Assembly 2006). The Disability Policy Guideline of South Africa offers standards to making public buildings accessible and allows persons with disabilities to redeem the benefits from the services provided by the government (Department of Public Works [DoPW] 2010:10). Whilst the South African government has put structures in place to identify and remove environmental barriers in order to meet the individual needs of persons with mobility impairments and improve their quality of life, persons with mobility impairments still face barriers and restricting environments that prevent them from participating in society and its social and economic activities
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