An assessment of adaptation of Cracow's cultural institutions to the needs of wheelchair users

Abstract

Introduction: Adequate adaptation of establishments to the needs of various groups of users is important both because of users' physical ability to enter and move around a certain place, and also because it allows these users to participate in social life. It is the competence of occupational therapists to design ergonomic environmental space for various people, including those with motor system dysfunctions. Material and methods: The study was conducted in randomly chosen culture and entertainment establishments of Cracow. The studied establishments were art houses, libraries, museums and pubs. The study tool was our own questionnaire for assessment of accessibility of the establishments for wheelchair users. Results: We assessed the accessibility of the entrance. In this criterion, museums had the best results, and pubs had poorest results. In changes of the level inside the establishment, libraries and cinemas were best, and museums were poorest. In toilet assessment, museums had best results, and pubs and libraries had poorest results. In most of the establishments, toilets were not accessible for people in wheelchairs. Conclusions: The mean level of adaptation of the studied culture and entertainment establishments in Cracow shows that they are only partially accessible. The type of establishment was related to the its accessibility level. Museums proved to have best accessibility, and pubs had the poorest accessibility. The location of the establishments (the district) impacted the architectural barriers.