@2024 Afarand., IRAN

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ISSN: 0000-0000    Iranian Journal of Isaar Studies 2017;1(1):35-40

Background
… [1-15]. As a social and biological phenomenon, disability is a reality faced by all societies, including industrial and nonindustrial countries, regardless of their level of advancement. According to a research by Sanderson 16] in Canada, planning tools are appropriate solutions for improving the accessibility of urban spaces for disabled individuals in order to actively participate in the society.
Previous Studies
Miller et al. [17] marked that disabled people with mild disability, with whom they were able to communicate more, had significantly more satisfaction. On the other hand, those who were less communicated had physical disorders, depression, and mental illnesses. Other studies in this area include research by Kondson [18], Yates [19], Romanyuta [20], Wenter et al. [21], Rogers [22], and Yang et al. [23]. Evaluating the quality and quantity of space of Laleh Park in Tehran, Iran, Bahmanpour and Salajegheh [24] concluded that this park had a favorable condition in terms of use of disabled individuals with a medium condition. However, despite the passing of the law for modification of the condition of buildings by ministers in 2000, many of buildings have been modified to be used by disabled individuals on wheelchair [25].
Aim(s)
This study aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of urban public spaces for veterans and disabled individuals in Lorestan province.
Research type
This was a descriptive and analytical research.
Research society, place and time
This study was carried out in Lorestan Province, Iran (Khoramabad, Borujerd, and Kouhdasht), in 2014.
Sampling method and number
In total, 384 veterans and disabled individuals of Lorestan province were selected through convenience sampling.
Used devices&materials
Data collection tools was a researcher-made questionnaire, containing 50 items in five areas of problems in access and use of spaces (10 items), lack of feeling of safety and comfort in public spaces (10 items), lack of participation and involving veterans and disabled individuals in various urban activities (10 items), lack of implementation of regulations related to modification of public spaces for veterans and disabled individuals (10 items), and access to and appropriateness of public facilities (10 items). Face validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed by experts of the field and at Cronbach’s alpha of 0.76, respectively. In addition, Vikor technique was applied to evaluate the components to make urban public spaces appropriate for veterans and disabled individuals [6]. In this regard, the greater the proximity of Viktor indicator to zero, the better the condition of the place. Statistical Analysis: Data analysis was performed in SPSS 21 software using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.
Findings by Text
In terms of fitting indicators, welfare organization of Lorestan was ranked first and parks of Shahideh Shirin Peyman and Kiu in Khoramabad were mutually ranked last. In Borujerd, the welfare organization was ranked first and Mosafer park was ranked last. In Kouhdasht, education ministry and Friday Imam’s office were ranked first and last, respectively (Table 1). A positive and significant correlation was observed between the appropriateness of urban public spaces according to Vikor index and from the perspective of veterans and disabled individuals regarding problems in access to and use of spaces (r=0.483; p=0.001), lack of feeling of safety and comfort in public spaces (r=–0.346; p=0.006), lack of participation and involving veterans and disabled individuals in various urban activities (r=0.215; p=0.005), implementation of regulations related to the design of urban public spaces for veterans and disabled individuals (r=0.344; p=0.001), and access to and appropriateness of facilities of spaces (r=0.472; p=0.001).
Main comparison to the similar studies
Today, approaches must lean toward “human-oriented cities” to achieve a dynamic city. In general, the movement priority in a city must be walking, cycling, and using public transportation and not personal cars. Following up of this issue is carried out through programs such as “city without barriers” in the world. In this program and similar plans, a public agreement is made to solve the problems, and regulations are proposed after determining the required prerequisites in this area. Meanwhile, the only emphasis in Iran is on presenting regulations. Management structure of urban development of the evaluated spaces has not led to the formation of a unified local management. Defects in strategic planning and implementing levels has led to localized planning in urban spaces more in a sectional and short-term form. Therefore, urban planning and executive affairs, such as planning and fitting urban spaces for disabled individuals, cannot be easily achieved, and urban management in the evaluated cities had no mid-term and short-term and unified executive plan and an efficient monitoring mechanism to evaluate the performance of the city in this regard.
Suggestions
In order to improve the management structure for fitting of urban spaces for veterans and disabled individuals, the following items are suggested: modification of management-executive structures, adequate funding, education of citizens and culture building, appropriate legislation, elimination of obstacles to architecture and urbanism, and provision of infrastructures of e-city.
Limitations
None declared by the authors.
Conclusions
Urban public spaces of Lorestan province have a medium condition in terms of accessibility for veterans and disabled individuals. Therefore, accurate implementation of regulations related to this area is significantly felt.
Acknowledgments
None declared by the authors.
Conflict of interest
None declared by the authors.
Ethical Permissions
None declared by the authors.
Funding Sources
None declared by the authors.

TABLES and CHARTS

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