BackgroundIn many parts of the world, people with disabilities do not have equal opportunities in access to health care, education, and participation in social life. We assessed main barriers and best practices for people with disabilities with respect to the accessibility of public services and participation in urban life. MethodsWe did this qualitative study in Ankara, Turkey. We included 42 people aged 18–35 years with physical or visual disabilities. We selected participants by snowball sampling through contacting non-governmental organisations working with people with disabilities. Participants were given cameras to take photographs of main barriers and good practices from their own perspective (photovoice). We then did facilitated group discussions, in which participants discussed their photographs, developing narratives for each photo, and recommending solutions to overcome barriers and disseminate good practices. FindingsThe main barriers were difficulties in access to public transport services, pedestrian roads, sidewalks, overbridges, parks, sports fields, and public institutions including health care and educational facilities, which decreased opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in urban life. Although fewer in number, several good practices were also identified, such as the use of lifts, wheelchair lifts, ramps, lowered curbs, tactile paving, audible signals, and Braille signs. InterpretationMunicipalities should deliver more evidence-based and needs-based services to improve urban environments for people with disabilities. Community participation in decision-making processes could help advocacy, and consequently the improvement of public policies and services. FundingHacettepe University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit.