Assessing The Accessibility Of Street For Individuals With Disabilities: The Case Of Mexico And Its Surroundings, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study investigates the convenience and accessibility of streets in Mexico, Addis Ababa, for persons with disabilities. Although national and international frameworks advocate for inclusive urban environments, individuals with disabilities (PwDs) in Addis Ababa continue to encounter significant physical and social barriers in public spaces. Streets in central locations like Mexico remain largely inaccessible due to poor infrastructure design, insufficient planning, and weak policy implementation. The primary objectives of this research were to evaluate the existing condition of the street infrastructure in Mexico for PwDs, identify policy-related and institutional factors that hinder accessibility, and suggest effective and feasible solutions to enhance convenience and inclusion. To address these goals, the study employed a mixed-methods research design combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 190 individuals participated, of whom 172 were people with physical disabilities selected purposively to ensure their direct experience informed the findings. The remaining respondents were municipal officers and professionals working in disability-related infrastructure planning, also selected through purposive sampling. Data sources included structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, field observations, and document reviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as means and standard deviations, while qualitative data were examined thematically. The findings reveal that a significant proportion of respondents perceive the streets in Mexico as highly inconvenient due to the lack of curb ramps, poorly maintained sidewalks, inadequate signage, and limited rest spaces. A major barrier to improvement is the lack of awareness and technical knowledge among city planners and infrastructure implementers regarding the needs of PwDs. Even where funding is available, the absence of inclusive design considerations leads to ineffective outcomes. The study recommends that the city administration conduct a detailed accessibility audit in Mexico, implement phased upgrades starting with the installation of ramps and sidewalk repairs, and prioritize meaningful participation of disability communities in planning. These measures are crucial for building a more inclusive, equitable, and user-friendly public environment in Addis Ababa.