Michael Keith K. Hafalla | Michael D. Obidoza | Ezra Rolland P. Paraan | Niño C. Rosete
School of Natural Sciences
Dr. Jacqueline B. Bonifacio, Adviser
Abstract
A built environment is a universal environment for all. It should be inherently accessible for all users regardless of age and physical and mental ability. This environment addresses the needs of every stage of human life. The research aimed to investigate the PWDs utilization of the current built environment in the city. Specifically, the study sought to determine the level of utilization of the overpasses, blue lanes and ramps and the usage of government facilities and agencies needed for the social participation of the musculoskeletal impaired (MI) and visually impaired (VI). Through descriptive convenience sampling, the actual population of 101 respondents (VI=56, MI=45)were picked for the study. To treat the data, t-test and weighted mean were used. A self-made questionnaire was used as a guide for the interview with the visually impaired group. The findings reveal that the musculoskeletal impaired group preferred to use the blue lanes/pedestrian crossing while the visually impaired preferred to use the overpass around the city. Since a significant difference was noted between the groups in their preference for specific structures, the findings imply that each type of disability requires a particular structure for the PWDs ambulation within the city.
Keywords: Utilization, musculoskeletal impaired (MI), visually impaired (VI), blue lanes, overpasses
