Wheels of Justice: Perceptions and Experiences of Accessibility among Persons with Disabilities in Valenzuela City

Thatcher,BenjaminJohn Author_Email:, Henson,Karla Author_Email:, Escarez,Ma.Luisa Author_Email: and Aggarao,ShielaMay Author_Email:

Philippine Journal of Development, 2025

Abstract: Accessibility is a precondition for persons with disabilities to participate fully and equally in society. This study, part of the Wheels of Justice project, examines the perceptions and experiences of persons with disabilities in Valenzuela City in relation to accessibility. Surveys were conducted with 102 persons with disabilities, and 7 participated in 2 focus group discussions, exploring their experiences across 3 core domains: public spaces, transportation, and information and communication services. The study evaluates these domains using a novel approach that incorporates the accessibility dimensions of usability, safety, and affordability. The results showed that significant accessibility challenges remain despite existing legal mandates. Women reported higher usability scores across various domains; however, safety perceptions were more complex, with women feeling safer in individual transport modes and men in public transportation. Affordability concerns can push respondents to choose less safe and usable options, increasing the likelihood of injuries. Public infrastructure, including toilets and sidewalks, was frequently cited as inaccessible, exacerbating social isolation. Enhancing accessibility is crucial for advancing an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can fully exercise their rights and participate equally.

Keywords: accessibility; Wheels of Justice project; persons with disabilities; PWDs; public infrastructure; transportation; information and communications services; Valenzuela City (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:phd:pjdevt:pjd_2025_vol__49_no__1c

DOI: 10.62986/pjd2025.49.1c

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