Hibatullah Stetieh
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to examine accessibility in the built environment and tries to determine the
physical and attitudinal barriers affecting Persons with Visual Disabilities’ (PWVDs) experience on the
University of Jordan (UJ) campus.
Design/methodology/approach – This is a descriptive mixed-methods study, based on the following: data
collection regarding PWVDs’ services at UJ; semi-structured interviews with PWVDs and with some
employees at UJ; observations, photographs and direct measurements during campus tours; accompanying one
student with poor eyesight when navigating through UJ campus; then, analyzing data in light of the national
code’s accessibility checklist.
Findings – UJ campus suffers from many shortcomings regarding accessibility; these include an insufficient
pedestrian environment, limited tactile paths, low illuminance levels in lecture halls and other inadequate
services. Besides, there are many infringements on PWVDs’ paths, due to either new expansions or
unconscious behavior. Moreover, interpersonal barriers prevent PWVDs from using assistive equipment and
accommodation. The study concludes that preserving pedestrians’ rights, monitoring new expansions,
renovating the UJ campus in accordance with national codes and international standards, improving PWVDs
services and awareness-raising programs are needed to ensure accessibility for PWVDs.
Originality/value – New legislation has been recently passed regarding accessibility in Jordan, and – on the
UJ campus – the first phase of tactile paving has been installed. This paper is believed to be the first of its kind
to evaluate PWVDs’ services following the new changes. The study’s methodology might also be deemed
useful to stakeholders when enabling the built environment.
Keywords Accessibility, Built environment, Disability, Higher education, Tactile paving