Acessibilidade em passeios públicos: estudo de caso na zona urbana de Alegrete

Abstract

Accessibility in public sidewalks emerged in response to the demand for more inclusive and democratic cities. In the past, urban infrastructures overlooked the needs of people with disabilities or reduced mobility, creating barriers that limited their full participation. This scenario began to change in the second half of the 20th century, with advancements in human rights, social movements, and the creation of specific legislation that recognized accessibility as a fundamental right. Technical standards were developed to guide urban planning, proposing solutions such as ramps, tactile paving, and widened sidewalks. However, the implementation of these measures still faces challenges, such as lack of resources, insufficient enforcement, and low priority in public budgets, resulting in inadequate or incomplete adaptations. In this context, this study evaluated the accessibility conditions of sections of streets and avenues in Alegrete/RS, assessing their compliance with current legislation and proposing corrective measures. The research employed questionnaires, photographic records, and technical evaluations based on ABNT NBR 9050:2020 and ABNT NBR 16537:2016 standards to identify irregularities and calculate the Accessibility Evaluation Index (IAA). The results show that public sidewalks still exhibit significant deficiencies, impacting the quality of life of pedestrians, especially those with reduced mobility. It is concluded that effective public policies, with coordinated actions between public authorities and the community, are necessary to ensure accessible, safe, and inclusive sidewalks, promoting quality of life, equal opportunities, and dignity for all citizens. Keywords: Accessibility. Public Sidewalks. Social Inclusion. Sidewalks.