Access Challenges Research Articles

Communication Strategies as a Catalyst for Trust Building During Banking Mergers: Lessons from Nepalese Bank

This study investigates the key determinants of customer satisfaction in the post-merger context ofNIC Asia Bank and Kumari Bank, with a focus on technological innovation, employee competence, andcommunication strategies. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as Expectancy Disconfirmation Theoryand Post-Merger Integration Theory, the study integrates cultural integration as a moderating variable. Usinga stratified random sampling method, data were collected from 500 respondents representing diversecustomer segments. Quantitative analyses, including descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression models,reveal that employee competence (β = 0.50) is the most significant driver of satisfaction, followed bycommunication strategies (β = 0.40) and technological innovation (β = 0.35). Cultural integration (β = 0.20)amplifies these relationships, enhancing the customer experience during organizational transitions. Findingshighlight significant urban-rural disparities, with urban customers favoring digital banking and ruralcustomers relying on traditional services. Accessibility challenges were particularly pronounced in rural areas.This study provides actionable recommendations for banks navigating mergers, emphasizing the need forimproved digital infrastructure, tailored communication, workforce training, and cultural alignment to ensuresustained customer satisfaction and loyalty. These insights contribute to academic discourse and offer practicalstrategies for the financial sector.

Spatial Configuration of Market Spaces: Accessibility and Management Challenges in Bamenda City, Cameroon

Market spaces are fundamental to urban life in Cameroon, serving as key centers for commerce, social interaction, and cultural exchange. However, rapid urbanization has intensified challenges related to the spatial placement and organization of markets, particularly in Bamenda. Poor infrastructure, congestion, spatial disorganization, and inadequate parking facilities hinder accessibility and affect the efficiency of market operations. These challenges not only limit economic activities but also create difficulties for vendors, customers, and other stakeholders who rely on these markets for daily sustenance and business. The research problem centers on the inefficient spatial arrangement and poor management of market spaces in Bamenda, which contribute to accessibility constraints, safety concerns, and overall dissatisfaction among market participants. This study, therefore, aims to examine the spatial location, layout, and design of major markets in Bamenda, including Bamenda Main Market, Nkwen Market, Food Market, and Ntarikon Market. It seeks to analyze how these spatial characteristics impact accessibility and functionality, as well as to identify the major challenges faced by market participants. To achieve these objectives, the study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, including informant interviews and the administration of 324 questionnaires to vendors, customers, and shop owners. Spatial analysis mapping is utilized to assess market locations, layouts, and proximities, providing a comprehensive understanding of their spatial organization. The findings indicate that congestion, narrow pathways, inadequate infrastructure, and unregulated market expansion significantly impede accessibility and market efficiency. Given these challenges, the study strongly advocates for the effective implementation of Bamenda’s proposed Master Plan to regulate urban spaces, particularly market infrastructure. Additionally, the proper execution of the Plan of Soil Occupation (POS) is recommended to address the haphazard arrangement of market stalls and control illegal market operations.

Advancing Accessibility and Social Inclusion through Generative AI and Machine Learning-Powered Multi-Modality on Mobile Platforms

The advent of generative AI-powered multi-modality on mobile platforms is transforming how devices function as empowering tools, facilitating inclusive and accessible experiences for diverse populations. By integrating voice, text, and image interactions with advanced AI technologies such as Whisper, Gemini, alongside mobile-specific frameworks, multi-modality addresses significant accessibility challenges in mobile computing. This integration enables features like voice-to-text conversion, image-based form filling, and contextual conversation summarization, which enhance usability for individuals with disabilities, non-native speakers, and those managing complex digital workflows. Although acknowledging several advancements, the article also addresses challenges such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and unequal distribution of AI technologies, exploring both societal and technical difficulties in their equitable deployment. Additionally, it discusses multi-modality application and benefits across healthcare, education, and public services, calling for a collaborative and inclusive approach in technology development to ensure that innovations benefit all users. This analysis highlights how generative AI and multi-modality are key to advancing digital inclusivity on mobile platforms.

COVID-19 vaccine anxieties: exploring social and political drivers of vaccine attitudes in Kono District, Sierra Leone.

As COVID-19 spread rapidly during the early months of the pandemic, many communities around the globe anxiously waited for a vaccine. At the start of the pandemic, it was widely believed that Africa would be a significant source of infection, and thus, vaccinating African communities became a primary goal among local and global health authorities. However, when the COVID-19 vaccine became available in March 2021 in Sierra Leone, many people viewed it with scepticism and hesitation. While much literature has focused on access and distribution-related challenges for vaccination in the region, a growing number of studies discuss vaccine hesitancy as driving low vaccine uptake. Shifting attention to understanding the determinants of vaccine hesitancy remains fundamental to increasing vaccination rates, as negative vaccine perceptions tend to delay or prevent vaccination. This study sought to do this by assessing, through semi-structured qualitative interviews, vaccine-related attitudes and experiences of residents of Sierra Leone's Kono District. In contrast to studies that utilise "knowledge-deficit" models of belief, however, this study drew upon the vaccine anxieties framework (Leach and Fairhead, 2007), which views vaccines as being imbued with personal, historical, and political meaning. Findings suggest that important bodily, social, and political factors, including fear of side effects, the spread of misinformation prompted by poor messaging strategies, and distrust of government and international actors, influenced people's COVID-19 vaccine attitudes and behaviours. It is hoped that the study's findings will inform future policies and interventions related to vaccine uptake in Africa and globally.

Anaesthesia for paediatric radiotherapy: A narrative review.

Radiotherapy is currently used in approximately one-third of children with cancer. Treatments are typically received as weekday outpatient appointments over 3-6 weeks. The treatment is painless but requires a still, co-operative patient who can lie alone in set positions, facilitated by the use of immobilisation devices, for up to 1 h. We conducted a literature search to identify relevant articles relating to radiotherapy treatment. Key search terms included: 'radiotherapy'; 'proton beam'; 'photon'; 'sedation'; 'anaesthesia'; and 'paediatric'. The abstracts of identified articles were assessed for relevance and their references reviewed for further relevant publications. The requirement for anaesthesia is almost exclusively limited to younger children, who are committed to daily anaesthetics over the duration of their treatment course. Centres tend to adopt a primary anaesthetic technique of either general anaesthesia using a supraglottic airway device or deep sedation, with spontaneous ventilation maintained. A full variety of anaesthetic drugs has been used with insufficient evidence to support a standardised primary approach but an apparent global trend towards propofol by infusion for sedation. Children may become acutely unwell during their treatment course and systems for escalation of clinical care in this event are vital. Distance from the patient for staff radiation shielding, patient positioning for treatment delivery and the use of immobilisation devices may provide additional access challenges in the event of an emergency. The requirement for anaesthesia for paediatric radiotherapy is typically confined to younger children. Patients may be unwell, with several specific considerations related to their cancer diagnosis and the impact of various treatments including surgery and chemotherapy, in addition to the radiotherapy. A multidisciplinary team approach to all aspects of care is imperative in this group of high-risk patients.

Historiography of Scientific Publishing across Cultures and Disciplines.

Historiography is a vital perspective of our scientific literature that charts the evolution of scientific publishing, from its early origins to the present status. The key transformations including the shift from a limited self-published legacy to specialized and professional peer-reviewed journals, the impact of technological advancements, and the emergence of new profitable business models are learning points for the future course and couture. Science is pursued and persevered by real humans in social and cultural contexts and not in isolation of laboratories or clinics. Survival of the impartial pure scientific bent of mind and its translation into tangible works has not been easy through the turmoil of various forms of force majeure. The lack of gender parity and even its divergence in some ways was palpable in the discourse of scientific research. Despite that, when provided with a common platform with comparable impact factors and rates of publications, gender inequality seems to vanish and equivalence in academia is discernible. The roles of authors, publishers, and readers have also evolved chronologically, adapting to the influence of cultural and disciplinary factors through the ages. The challenges of predatory publishing, open access, plagiarism, and data capitalization are also growing alongside. Ultimately, understanding the historical context and persistence of the predecessors in the course of scientific publishing can enhance modern scientific research and communication.

Understanding Tobacco Control: Global and National Strategies

Tobacco use is a significant global health crisis, impacting over 1.1 billion individuals and leading to approximately 8 million deaths annually. This narrative review evaluates the tobacco control policies worldwide, focusing on India, where both smoked and smokeless tobacco prevalence remains high. Historical interventions highlight ongoing efforts to combat tobacco use; however, challenges in public awareness and access to cessation resources persist. There is an urgent need for effective policies and comprehensive public health strategies to reduce tobacco consumption, underscoring the critical role of health professionals in promoting cessation efforts.

Exploring Access to Essential Medicines in the South Pacific: Insights from a Multi-Country Cross-Sectional Study

Access to essential medicines is imperative for delivering effective healthcare, yet a significant proportion of the global population continues to face barriers in obtaining them. The South Pacific Region (SPR) faces unique medicine access challenges due to geographic remoteness, economic limitations, and, strained healthcare infrastructure. To gain further insight, this study aimed to assess the availability, pricing, and, affordability of essential medicines stratified by World Bank income group. The WHO and Health Action International standardised methodology was employed in the public and private sectors of New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, Fiji, Vanuatu, and, the Solomon Islands between February 1st 2023 and October 1st 2023. We measured availability, median price ratio (MPR), and affordability. Data were analysed by World Bank income group. Data were collected from 19 public-sector hospitals and 24 private-sector pharmacies. Lower-middle income countries (LMICs) had the lowest mean availability for both public and private sectors, while upper-middle and high-income countries (HICs) demonstrated moderate to high availability. The mean availability of lowest-priced generics (LPG) in LMICs was 59.1% in the public sector and 57.4% in the private sector, compared to 87.2% and 72.5% respectively in HICs. MPRs indicated high medicine prices across all categories. Affordability analysis revealed that medicines were unaffordable in LMICs yet affordable in UMICs and HICs. LMICs within the South Pacific display low availability and poor affordability of essential medicines. Urgent targeted policy reform and strategic initiatives are required to ensure effective and equitable healthcare within this region. This research was supported by l'Agence Française de Développement, Le Fonds Pacifique [CZZ3165ORC].

Effects of material master data management on supply chain performance at FLSmidth: the moderating role of PiLog external service provider

In the dynamic landscape of industrial operations, the effective management of material master data within the supply chain is paramount for organizational success. This study investigates the challenges and solutions associated with Material Master Data Management (MMDM) at FLSmidth (FLS), a leading supplier in the cement and mining sectors. FLS operates within a complex and diverse supply chain environment, serving global clientele across various sectors. The study aims to understand the impact of MMDM implementation on supply chain performance at FLS, specifically focusing on performance metrics such as inventory turnover, order fulfillment accuracy, and lead time reduction. The moderating role of PiLog, an External Service Provider (ESP), is explored in this context. Employing a mono-qualitative approach, the study delves into MMDM implementation through in-depth interviews with 18 FLS employees and 4 PiLog customers. Thematic analysis reveals that well-implemented MMDM systems enhance visibility, planning, and inventory management, leading to improvements in supply chain performance. Challenges in stakeholder persuasion and infrastructure access are identified as common implementation hurdles. PiLog emerges as a crucial moderator, providing structured frameworks, emphasizing standardization, and addressing governance challenges. The findings underscore the importance of strategic partnerships between organizations and ESPs in successfully implementing and sustaining MMDM initiatives. Recommendations include strategies for overcoming infrastructure challenges, leveraging ESP expertise, and aligning with best practices in standardization and governance. This study contributes to the academic discourse on MMDM implementation and offers practical insights for organizations seeking to enhance supply chain performance through meticulous MMDM practices.

Success of Public Education in Massachusetts and the Challenges of Public Education in Colombia

Education is a fundamental right established by UNESCO and essential to combat poverty and promote equality. In Colombia, education guarantees basic skills such as reading and writing, allowing the comprehensive development of individuals and their integration into the world of work. In addition, it contributes to economic growth by training a skilled workforce, and fosters an informed and participatory citizenry. The article analyzes how Colombia faces important challenges in access to and quality of education, especially in rural areas. It also highlights the importance of adapting successful international models, such as that of Massachusetts, which has implemented reforms focused on quality and accountability. These experiences could inspire the implementation of teacher support strategies and the creation of charter schools in vulnerable areas. The methodology of the article includes literature review, data analysis, and comparative studies to support recommendations that promote inclusive and equitable education in Colombia. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the creation of an educational system that is not only accessible to all, but also drives the social and economic development of the country. Keywords: Education, Massachusetts, Colombia, Fundamental right, PISA.

Post-Merger Challenges and Their Impact on Customer Satisfaction

Background: The global banking sector, including Nepal, has witnessed significant mergers and acquisitions (M&As) to enhance competitiveness and operational efficiency. These strategic moves, while beneficial for financial stability, often disrupt customer satisfaction, particularly in aspects like service quality, trust, and accessibility. The merger of GBIME Bank and NABIL Bank offers a unique opportunity to explore these dynamics. Methods: A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a structured survey of 300 customers stratified by banking channels. Key variables examined included service quality, trust, accessibility, and customer satisfaction. Regression and correlation analyses tested the relationships between these variables. Results: Findings reveal that service quality (β = 0.42) and trust (β = 0.48) positively influence customer satisfaction, while accessibility challenges (β = -0.20) negatively impact it. High service quality and trust were maintained post-merger, fostering customer loyalty. However, accessibility issues, particularly in rural areas and digital banking platforms, emerged as significant concerns. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of maintaining service quality and trust while addressing accessibility challenges during banking mergers. The findings provide actionable insights for enhancing customer satisfaction and managing post-merger transitions effectively. Novelty: This research uniquely emphasizes accessibility’s dual role—physical and digital—in customer satisfaction, offering targeted strategies for mitigating disruptions during mergers. It extends existing literature by addressing the specific dynamics of Nepal's banking sector.

Challenges of equitable access to device-aided therapies for advanced Parkinson’s Disease in Poland — expert consensus and treatment recommendations

Challenges of equitable access to device-aided therapies for advanced Parkinson’s Disease in Poland — expert consensus and treatment recommendations

Spatial mapping and alignment of SHS, HEIs, and Industry in Northwestern Leyte

This study examines the spatial distribution and alignment of Senior High Schools (SHS), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and industries in Region VIII, focusing on the interconnections between geographic, educational, and economic factors. Key areas of analysis include Ormoc City, Albuera, Kananga, Isabel, and Palompon. Urban centers like Ormoc City host a high concentration of SHS offering diverse tracks such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM), catering to the demands of Information Technology (IT) and business industries. In contrast, rural areas focus on technical-vocational (TVL) tracks aligned with agriculture and fisheries but often lack alternative career pathways. HEIs are concentrated in Ormoc City, creating accessibility challenges for rural students and limiting program diversity in industrial hubs such as Isabel and Palompon. Although there is strong alignment between TVL tracks and agro-industrial needs in Albuera and manufacturing demands in Isabel, significant gaps remain, including inadequate IT specialization to meet Ormoc City’s industry needs, limited HEI capacity for STEM graduates in rural areas, and insufficient business management programs in Palompon. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders to address educational gaps and strengthen regional economic development.

Wheelchair user’s perceived access to maintenance and repair services: a qualitative study

Purpose Wheelchairs and associated seating and positioning systems require maintenance and repair services to sustain essential functions for wheelchair users. This study aims to amplify wheelchair users’ opinions and experiences related to their perceived access to crucial wheelchair maintenance and repair services. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with four full-time wheelchair users using five semi-structured interview questions. The collected data was analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Six interconnected themes were inductively, reflexively, and collaboratively constructed through critical discussions and mind-mapping techniques. Results These themes are as follows: “improving accessibility and efficiency: service delivery,” “access challenges: diversifying repair options and locations,” “systemic challenges: the role of policy,” “design, durability, and dependability: meeting the user’s needs,” “empowering accessibility: bridging the knowledge gap,” and “The system Itself: a call for change.” Conclusions Our findings suggest that wheelchair users prioritize not only the revision of existing barriers to access but also the implementation of preventative measures to minimize repair needs. Stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate to critically analyze existing wheelchair service delivery processes and associated policies. Practical implications include adjusting current policies, establishing best practice guidelines, and enacting preventative measures to facilitate improved user access to maintenance and repair services and optimize related outcomes.

The impact of informatization development on healthcare services in China

China faces substantial challenges in healthcare access and quality, marked by significant regional disparities. While the potential of informatization to enhance healthcare services is increasingly acknowledged, the specific mechanisms through which it impacts healthcare delivery remain underexplored. By employing provincial panel data and dynamic spatial panel models, we aim to uncover the mechanisms through which informatization impacts healthcare delivery. Our findings reveal notable regional differences, with the Eastern and Central regions leading in service levels, while the Western and Northeastern regions lag behind. Both informatization development and healthcare services demonstrate significant spatial interaction effects, indicating that improvements in informatization can positively influence healthcare services overall. However, the impact varies: while informatization benefits the Northeastern and Western regions, its effect in the Eastern region is not statistically significant, and the Central region experiences a negative impact. Furthermore, advancements in informatization in the Eastern and Central regions have the potential to enhance healthcare services in the Western and Northeastern regions. By providing empirical insights that identify key digital factors to enhance healthcare efficiency and quality, this study can assist policymakers in China and around the world in adopting more effective strategies to reduce the digital divide in healthcare and promote the development of more equitable and efficient healthcare systems.

How are patient inputs considered in HTA? A thematic document analysis of NICE ultra-rare disease appraisals.

Patient organisations are increasingly involved in HTA. Given this, it is important to understand what these organisations contribute and how their voices are accounted for in the decision-making process. This study characterises inputs from patient organisations and/or their nominated patient experts in technology appraisals for ultra-rare diseases in England and Wales and seeks to understand how these are considered in NICE final recommendations. We thematically analysed all HST appraisals completed between January 2022 and August 2024(N = 15). We appraised inputs from patient organisations' and experts' written submissions, the novelty of patient inputs, as well as financial ties between contributing organisations and the manufacturer of the technology being appraised. We compared themes identified with those found in the Final Evaluation Determination documents to understand how and to what extent patients' inputs were considered in NICE final recommendations. We found that patient submissions mainly focused on disease aspects (54%).Patients raised concerns on access challenges, caregiver burden, and mental health impacts. Most patient themes overlapped with manufacturers' submissions (82%) and doctors' testimonies (45%), with most novel insights focusing on access issues and mental health. Patient organisations reported receiving funding from the technology manufacturer in most appraisals, with amounts ranging from £5,000 to £74,113. Approximately half of patient inputs were explicitly mentioned in NICE final decision documents, with some considerations being neglected despite being raised by patients. While NICE incorporates many issues of importance to patients, there is room for improvement to ensure all aspects patients deem important are captured. Further research could pinpoint optimal areas for patient contributions and assess their impact.

Hepatitis C: Evolving Epidemiology, Treatment Landscape, and Current Challenges

Hepatitis C continues to present challenges despite the introduction of directly act-ing antiviral (DAA) treatments. While DAAs have revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C by offering high cure rates with fewer side effects, there are still several ongoing challenges. Firstly, identifying and diagnosing individuals with hepatitis C remains a significant barrier. Many people with hepatitis C are unaware of their status, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation. Additionally, certain populations, such as marginalized communities and people who inject drugs, face barriers to accessing testing and treatment services. Secondly, treatment access and affordability are persistent issues. Although DAAs have been hailed for their efficacy, their high costs limit accessibility for many individuals, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This highlights the need for continued efforts to improve drug affordability and expand access to treatment globally. Thirdly, addressing co-infections and comorbidities is an ongoing challenge in hepatitis C management. Many individuals with hepatitis C also have coexisting conditions, such as HIV or liver cirrhosis, requiring integrated care approaches to effectively manage these complex health needs. Furthermore, despite the effectiveness of DAAs, reinfection remains a concern, especially among high-risk popula-tions. This emphasizes the importance of comprehensive prevention strategies and ongoing monitoring to prevent recurrent infections. Therefore, while the advent of DAAs has trans-formed the landscape of hepatitis C treatment, continued efforts are necessary to address the challenges of diagnosis, treatment access, co-infections, and reinfection. A comprehensive approach that integrates testing, treatment, and support services is essential to achieve the goal of hepatitis C elimination.

Adoption of Sustainable Production Process to Bring Forth Value Addition in the Indian Seafood Products

Value addition refers to enhancements made to a product before it reaches customers, altering its nature to command a higher price. Currently, the fishing sector grapples with economic challenges like market fluctuations, Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and global access constraints. One issue is that fish processors often prioritize maximizing the value of primary products, neglecting potential gains from by-products. The Indian seafood industry faces sustainability, value addition, and market access challenges, particularly in utilizing by-products effectively due to insufficient investment in enhancing their value. This study examines the fish value chain involving fishermen, cooperatives, wholesalers, retailers, and processors. Qualitative analysis sheds light on industry practices, regulatory dynamics, and socio-cultural influences, enhancing resource management considerations. Integration of qualitative insights with quantitative data promises advancements in fishery science and management. Key findings highlight opportunities in value-added exports, seasonal variability impacts, and the critical role of food safety training. Wholesalers in India enjoy higher profit margins, while retailers could enhance profitability through cost reduction and increased sales. Retailers in India could enhance profitability through cost reduction and increased sales. Sustainable practices and efficient supply chains are imperative for the long-term sustainability of India’s seafood sector.

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF NGO STAFF IN BANGLADESH, FOCUSING ON STRESS AND COPING

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic by being at the forefront of responding to the global upsurge in humanitarian needs. The purpose of this study is to find out the factors associated with stress among NGO staff due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study employed qualitative phenomenological research design and the data were collected using in-depth interviews from fifteen NGO staff. Thematic analysis technique was adopted for the data analysis. This study identified numerous stressors, including challenges of work-life balance, social isolation, and access to treatment facilities. Seven out of fifteen respondents stated that the extended hours they worked during COVID-19 had an impact on their ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The majority of the respondents felt anxious about getting access to treatment facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic due to higher treatment costs and limited treatment facilities. The respondents used a variety of coping mechanisms to deal with these stressors, including communicating and spending time with friends and family members, and engaging in fun activities such as watching movies, crafting, gardening, and reading. NGO staff’s daily lives and their mental health were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study recommends the need to assess the stress of NGO staff so that early measures can be taken by concerned NGO agencies, such as employers, to take proactive measures to mitigate their stress during pandemics or other emergencies.

Enhancing shared street accessibility in heritage sites for individuals with visual disabilities: a Canadian perspective.

Heritage sites often pose significant accessibility challenges for individuals with visual disabilities due to their preserved architectural features and strict regulations against modifications. In shared streets, designed to encourage pedestrian use and reduce vehicle dominance, these challenges are exacerbated by the lack of tactile and directional cues for visually impaired users. This study, set in the context of Canadian heritage sites, explores how shared streets can be adapted to be more inclusive while respecting the integrity of historical environments. The objective of this study is to explore and propose practical solutions to enhance the accessibility of shared streets for individuals with visual disabilities within heritage sites, with a particular focus on preservation requirements. The study adopts a three-phase methodology. First, co-design sessions were conducted with three groups of stakeholders: people with disabilities, caregivers, and experts in accessibility and heritage preservation. Second, a narrative literature review was undertaken to identify practices from existing research and urban planning cases. Finally, solutions were developed in collaboration with a design firm to create practical, adaptable prototypes that address the specific needs identified in earlier phases. The co-design sessions revealed several key challenges, including the lack of tactile references, difficulties with snow removal, and the need for clearer delineation between pedestrian and vehicular zones. Solutions such as tactile paving, modular bollards, and the use of contrasting materials were developed to address these issues. The narrative review reinforced the importance of universal design in heritage contexts and provided insights into successful implementations in other urban settings. The study concludes that shared streets can be made more accessible for individuals with visual disabilities by adopting a modular design approach that integrates tactile cues and adaptable urban furniture. These solutions ensure that accessibility and safety can coexist with heritage preservation, promoting inclusivity in public spaces. The research highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement in the design process and offers a replicable framework for improving accessibility in heritage sites globally. However, further field testing is needed to assess the feasibility and acceptance of these solutions within the regulatory constraints of heritage environments.