Social Integration of the Physically Handicapped: Problem Statement, Method of Study, First Results

This paper describes how a number of studies have been carried out that concern physically handicapped people. These studies, which could be called traditional, have mainly discussed either the establishment of functional typologies or the problems of transport themselves, such as those related to the improvements in the design of public transport vehicles (particularly buses); the studies have often been undertaken by committed people who seek to help the disadvantaged. These studies are necessary because they contribute to the social dynamic with a view to change, to immediately operative micropropositions, and in general to a greater knowledge of the difficulties encountered by the handicapped and to a more accurate perception of difference. The purpose of the paper from the outset was to indicate that the handicapped person is not different.