Convenience of public bodies for use by handicapped persons in city center of Isparta

Within the frame of European Union harmonization law, it has been aimed to make all public buildings suitable for use by handicapped until 2012. A cross sectional study has been planned in July, 2008 so as to track changes in public buildings with the future studies as well. Regarding this cross sectional study planned to analyse the availability of public buildings situated in Isparta for use by handicapped persons, except for schools and primary healthcare centers, 44 public buildings have been taken into account. The evaluation of public use areas has been carried out on the basis of the standards accepted by national and international organizations.

it has been found that out of 5 buildings have parking space allocated for handicapped.13 buildings have ramps in handicapped entrance yet one ramp is not conforming to standards and in 12 buildings, entrance of handicapped is completely restricted.

In 31 public buildings, for service procurement elevator could be required. In 11 buildings, elevator doors are automatic and in 10 buildings, wideness of the door is suitable for wheelchairs. Interior of 15 elevators is spacious and 16 elevator floors conform to the standards set for handicapped. 16 elevators have holding bar, height of 12 ones conform to standards and 12 elevators include telephone. In 15 public buildings, height of the floor push button is in line with the standards.

There exists a separate bathroom for handicapped in 7 public bodies and only in one of them man - woman bathroom is separated.
39 public buildings are composed of sitting place in waiting rooms.Besides, the height of counter to use conforms to standards for handicapped in 15 public buildings.
All in all, it has been concluded that many additional adjustments are required so as to provide a more appropriate environment for the handicapped persons to benefit from public services.