Accessibility in the built and transport environment The wheelchair user perspective

‘Improving Accessidility for those with Impaired Mobility’ (I-AIM) is developing a telematic-based device to attach to wheelchairs to provide a navigation aid in the built environment. A technical project such as this must have end-user input from the beginning. In partial fulfilment of this, a user requirements survey was carried out. The survey found that accessibility in the built environment is generally possible for wheelchair users with assistance, which does not fulfil objectives of independence. Accessibility to public transport is regarded as poor. Information communication technologies can offer greater independence and inclusion, but attention must be paid to ergonomics.