Accessibility of Public Buildings in Khulna, Bangladesh, for Wheelchair Users

Abstract

Purpose: Physical accessibility is one of the fundamental rights of wheelchair users in order to ensure their integration into society. After Bangladesh ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on November 30, 2007, there has been a paradigm shift in the government’s approach to ensure the welfare and rights of persons with disabilities through legislative and policy actions. This study assesses how accommodative the public buildings are for wheelchair users in Khulna, Bangladesh.Method: All the public buildings in Khulna city - including government offices, public schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, libraries, post offices and court buildings - were visited to assess the presence and suitability of facilities for wheelchair users, such as accessible parking, ramps, elevators, doors, and essential interior facilities like water closets and drinking-water fountains. Bangladesh has no specific accessibility guidelines document, but accessibility requirements have been included in the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2008. The study made its assessment using an abridged form of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and BNBC 2008.Results: Only 6.7% (5) of the 75 public buildings were found suitable for wheelchair users. There is scope for modifications to be made in 28% (21) of the buildings which are currently unsuitable for wheelchair users. Conclusion: The study revealed that public buildings are, in general, not very accommodative of wheelchair users. There is a need for modifications in infrastructure to ensure inclusive development of these individuals.

Disabled-by-design: effects of inaccessible urban public spaces on users of mobility assistive devices – a systematic review

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Inclusiveness assessment tool for disabled persons in higher education facilities

“…These are listed as items 2, 8, 17, 22, 26 and 28. Ahmed et al (2014) and Farzana (2019) indicated wheelchair resting place, designed parking spots, furnitures and signages to have minimal attainment. Similarly, Muzemil (2018) observed space, services and other building features to hinder full participation for PWD.…”

Challenges and Adaptation Strategies of Students with Disabilities in Higher Education in Bangladesh

“…Despite substantial advances in numerous sectors, persons with disabilities in Bangladesh remain one of the most marginalized groups. They continue to face discrimination, are socially excluded, and lack access to essential social services in Bangladesh (Farzana, 2018). However, they cannot be kept out of society or denied their rights to participate in all parts of the physical, cultural, social, and economic environment, as well as education, health, and informal communication (Machado & de Oliveira, 2021).…”