The state of infrastructure facilities of the Kola Peninsula for the independent life of people with disabilities

Abstract

The article examines the problem of accessibility of objects of social infrastructure of the Kola Peninsula for disabled people. The study was based on the method of monitoring the state of infrastructure in 13 settlements of the region, in which 701 objects were examined for accessibility for the disabled. As a result of observation, the objects were divided into accessible, conditionally accessible and inaccessible; accessibility indices were calculated for different areas of activity. The study revealed uneven processes of creating an accessible environment in the Kola North, depending on the type of settlements and the location of objects. Most of the accessible infrastructure facilities are located in cities on central streets and are aimed at access mainly for people with musculoskeletal disorders. Social protection institutions, banks and post offices provide access for people with disabilities best of all. In other areas of activity, objects are only partially accessible.