Wheelchair accessibility of public buildings: a review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review was to examine the wheelchair accessibility in public buildings and discuss the role of professional in this practice area.


METHODS
Of the 85 originally identified publications from a search of major electronic bibliographic databases, 12 studies relating to wheelchair accessibility in public buildings were selected. The compliance rates with wheelchair accessibility in different areas were summarised.


RESULTS
No study reported 100% wheelchair accessibility despite the enforcement of existing laws and regulations. Parking had the lowest compliance rate among all facilities in terms of accessibility, while entrances had the highest.


CONCLUSIONS
A global review is needed of both new and old buildings regarding wheelchair accessibility. Professional in this practice area has an important role to play in advocating wheelchair accessibility and assisting wheelchair users to participate fully in all areas of the community.
School of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Nandana
N
Welage
Karen P Y
KP
Liu
D001107:Architectural Accessibility / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005160:Facility Design and Construction / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D013689:Telephone; D014910:Wheelchairs