EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES? A REVIEW OF TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

This article explores ways of offering equal opportunities to the blind and partially sighted, the deaf and hard of hearing, and all other people with some kind of physical disability or handicap. An outline history of government policies towards mobility up to the Transport Act 1978 and similarly towards the built environment, is presented. The special provisions required for the handicapped person are considered, and details are graphically presented of a number of studies carried out of privately and publicly owned buildings. The author considers mobility problems that result from the location of services, and the need for routeway design based on the needs of handicapped persons. Different methods of transport e.g. Private car and public transport, and their availability for the handicapped are evaluated. Some lessons for future policy-making regarding the disabled are drawn from the studies, ranging from financial allowances to the overhauling of public transport. The need for centralised facilities of all kinds for people whose mobility is restricted is emphasised.