DISABLED MIGRANTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SOCIAL MODEL AND PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE ACCESSIBILITY OF THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT: A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ON DISABLED MIGRANTS

Abstract

This study examines the problems arising from the accessibility of the physical environment, which is one of the main problems faced by disabled immigrants in mainstream society, based on their experiences and using the social model approach. A snowball sampling technique was used to reach five women and seven men with disabilities living in the city centre of Tokat. Data collected through semi-structured interviews were analysed using content analysis. The findings show that disabled immigrants face significant challenges related to the accessibility of the physical environment, starting from their homes and neighbourhoods, which prevent them from accessing even very basic services such as health care and language training. Migrants with disabilities face problems of accessibility of the physical environment, such as houses, buildings, streets, sidewalks and bus stops that are not adapted to their needs. Inaccessible conditions of the physical environment prevent disabled migrants from going out, participating in social life and accessing services. This situation restricts their individual mobility, reduces their autonomy and limits their opportunities for social participation. Therefore, in identifying and addressing the problems of disabled immigrants, it is necessary to consider the physical determinants of the social environment that create and exacerbate their experience of disability, beyond their functional limitations. Policies targeting disabled immigrants should aim to remove environmental barriers.