“Accessible for all?” Exploring navigation of the urban landscape by BVI individuals in Gqeberha, South Africa

Abstract (English)

Urban landscapes form the backdrop of our everyday lives, shaping our memories and experiences as we interact with these spaces. They often transcend mere physical locations and function as social, cultural, and economic hubs that contribute to individuals’ identities and sense of belonging. Consequently, they play a significant role in shaping health and well-being. Havik et al. (2015) observe that this is particularly evident for people with disabilities, more specifically, those with visual impairments. Vision is conventionally recognised as the primary sense for experiencing and navigating urban environments. However, individuals with impaired vision rely on multimodal sensory systems and strategies to interpret and navigate these landscapes effectively. Despite their capacity to map and understand spatial environments, blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals often encounter environments not designed with their needs in mind (Passini & Proulx, 1988). Accessibility and the availability of navigational information tailored to diverse abilities are essential for enabling safe and autonomous mobility. Therefore, this study explores the safe navigation of public spaces in Gqeberha, South Africa, by BVI individuals. The chosen methodology is qualitative ethnographic research conducted within a non-governmental organisation (NGO). A heterogeneous purposive sampling method is employed to recruit fifteen BVI individuals as primary participants. Secondary participants include trainers, family/friends, and guides of the BVI individuals, as well as key stakeholders from relevant government departments and urban planning sectors. Data will be generated through semi-structured interviews and participant observation and will be analysed thematically. Conducting this research is pertinent to understanding how urban landscapes can be inclusive, safe, and accessible for all, acknowledging the diversity of human abilities, experiences, and needs.