Accessibilité aux transports urbains et participation sociale des personnes a mobilité réduite dans l’arrondissement de Yaoundé IV

Abstract

This study focuses on accessibility to urban transport and social participation of people with reduced mobility (PRM) in the district of Yaoundé 4. It poses the problem of restriction of social participation. The question asked in this study is does the accessibility to urban transport determine the social participation of people with reduced mobility? This question questions the factors of accessibility to urban transport which determine the social participation of people with reduced mobility. To determine these factors, a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with 6 participants with a motor disability or a visual disability recruited through purposive sampling in the district of Yaoundé 4. The results of this study clearly show that we cannot talk about accessibility to urban transport without taking into account the development of road infrastructure and the adaptation of means of transport (physical environment), the adaptation of ways of thinking, behavior and attitudes (social environment) which can either be facilitators or obstacles to the social participation of the person with reduced mobility. The results show that difficulties in accessing urban transport (lack of suitable facilities, social stigma, stereotype, prejudice, social representation and high cost) greatly hinder the ability of people with reduced mobility to move and actively participate to the social life of their community. This results in social isolation and a limitation of their autonomy and inclusion. Thus, this study highlights the close link between accessibility to transport and the social participation of people with reduced mobility. She underlines the importance of putting in place inclusive transport policies and infrastructures in order to promote better social inclusion of this population.