Introduction 
Individuals with disabilities represent the most significant global minority and face numerous challenges in accessing equal rights, particularly the “right to the city.” This article focuses on Tehran and examines various barriers that individuals with disabilities encounter in utilizing urban spaces and services. Physical barriers, such as inadequate accessibility of pathways, social barriers like discriminatory attitudes, and economic and cultural obstacles, hinder these individuals from thoroughly enjoying their citizenship rights. By reviewing social theories, including the social model of disability and Henri Lefebvre’s concept of “right to the city,” this study emphasizes the importance of designing equitable urban spaces and involving all citizens, including individuals with disabilities, in urban decision-making. The primary objective is to highlight the need for an inclusive city where all citizens enjoy equal rights and opportunities regardless of physical ability.
Materials and Methods
This article employs a mixed-methods approach and consists of two phases: data collection and analysis.
Phase 1: Qualitative data collection and analysis were conducted through in-depth interviews. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, targeting experts, scholars, and the disabled community in Tehran. Twenty-seven in-depth interviews were conducted, including 13 with experts and 14 with individuals with disabilities. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, comprising five stages: initial coding, organization of codes, review, and refinement of themes, definition, and naming of themes, and finally, compiling a comprehensive report of the analyses and the overarching narrative of the data. The reliability of the interviews was evaluated through inter-rater reliability and intra-rater agreement, indicating the credibility of the coding process.
Phase 2: Quantitative data collection involved designing a questionnaire with 65 items, including 60 items to assess independent variables and five for the dependent variable, “right to the city for individuals with disabilities.” Items were rated using a 10-point Likert scale. The statistical population included 193,873 individuals with disabilities residing in Tehran in 2019, with a sample size of 384 determined using Cochran’s formula, employing stratified sampling. Professors confirmed the questionnaire’s face and content validity and the overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated at 0.75, indicating acceptable reliability. This research investigates and analyzes the perceptions of individuals with disabilities regarding their right to the city in Tehran.
Findings
Qualitative findings reveal that individuals with disabilities in Tehran encounter numerous and often interconnected barriers that adversely affect their lives. These obstacles can restrict their mobility and participation in society, leading to feelings of isolation and lack of access to essential rights and services. Although efforts by relevant institutions for individuals with disabilities in Iran are notable, they remain insufficient and fail to integrate this group into society fully. The thematic analysis of the interviews resulted in four main themes:
Inclusive and Accessible City: Individuals with disabilities have the right to live independently and enjoy equal opportunities; however, various barriers, such as the lack of accessible urban spaces, hinder their participation in society. In Iran, although numerous laws aim to improve these spaces, accessibility improvements are often implemented sporadically and without cohesive planning. Issues such as the absence of escalators, wayfinding signs, and suitable pathways, along with inadequate transportation access, negatively impact the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of responsible institutions, such as municipalities, and a lack of adherence to accessibility standards lead to a decline in social trust and the participation of individuals with disabilities in social activities. This situation can result in feelings of isolation, powerlessness, and increased stress and anxiety among individuals with disabilities, significantly affecting their mental health and social well-being.
Right to Space Allocation for Individuals with Disabilities: This concept encompasses control and ownership, physical share, security, vitality, and urban connections. Research findings indicate that individuals with disabilities do not have equal access to recreational and cultural opportunities compared to other citizens, which can lead to feelings of exclusion and despair. The primary reasons for this issue include the lack of compatibility of recreational spaces with the needs of individuals with disabilities, insufficient awareness of available opportunities, and high costs. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure, economic challenges such as the lack of home and vehicle ownership, and discrimination in the job market pose serious challenges for these individuals. This situation results in social isolation and a decline in their quality of life. Furthermore, the absence of security in public spaces contributes to increased stress and anxiety among individuals with disabilities, significantly diminishing their quality of life.
Active Citizenship: A significant barrier to individuals with disabilities’ participation in urban activities is their exclusion from urban decision-making processes. Due to their disabilities, they miss opportunities for involvement in decisions that affect their needs and desires. Findings reveal that a lack of awareness about their rights, the absence of a participatory culture in decision-making, and existing physical, social, and cultural barriers hinder their participation. Moreover, mistrust of social structures and institutions stemming from negative experiences and ineffective actions can create additional problems.
Public Transport for All: This theme addresses the need to make public transportation accessible to individuals with disabilities, focusing on the necessary modifications to metro systems, buses, and taxis. Findings indicate that physical barriers and lack of access to suitable public transportation adversely affect individuals’ quality of life, increasing their reliance on others.
Overall, these findings illustrate that various barriers, particularly in urban accessibility, access to services, and participation in decision-making processes, diminish the quality of life and sense of security for individuals with disabilities, underscoring the need for serious attention and actions to address these issues and enhance their societal participation.
Conclusion
The results of this research indicate that individuals with physical disabilities in Tehran face serious challenges that negatively affect their quality of life and social participation. The findings reveal that the lack of accessibility in urban spaces exacerbates social and spatial inequalities, particularly in public areas that should serve as venues for equality and social interaction. The unequal access to these spaces leads to violations of social justice and deprives individuals with disabilities of numerous social, economic, and cultural opportunities. This situation not only presents physical limitations but also has psychological effects, such as reduced self-esteem and increased stress.
The research clearly illustrates that the lack of urban space improvements strips individuals with disabilities of power and control. From a sociological perspective, this situation highlights the structural and social inequalities faced by individuals with disabilities. When public spaces are not appropriately designed, this group is systematically excluded from participating in social life, which translates into an inability to utilize physical infrastructures and limits access to social and economic opportunities. Based on Mitchell’s theory of the struggle for space, the research analyzes how urban and social spaces are shaped and accessed through power relations and conflicting interests. Accordingly, spaces are not neutral; instead, they are arenas for social and economic struggles. In this context, individuals with disabilities encounter complex barriers that signify a type of “struggle for space.” Improving urban environments is a physical necessity and a social imperative to enhance equality and justice within society. Creating accessible urban environments can strengthen the social identity of individuals with disabilities, boost their self-confidence, and provide a platform for active social participation. The findings also offer a profound analysis of the essential challenges and needs of individuals with disabilities concerning their right to space (control and ownership, physical allocation, urban connectivity, and security). The existing issues reflect the structural and systemic inequalities within urban spaces that impact the quality of life and social participation of individuals with disabilities. These problems include the need for more suitable infrastructure, insufficient access to recreational and cultural facilities, and the absence of supportive programs in housing and vehicle markets. The lack of home and vehicle ownership, along with the associated economic challenges, exacerbates deep social and economic issues for individuals with disabilities. Their inability to purchase or rent suitable housing and the high vehicle maintenance costs contribute to difficult economic conditions. Existing discrimination in rental and labor markets, particularly regarding sustainable employment and access to financial resources, further intensifies these challenges. The findings also reveal that the lack of participation of individuals with disabilities in decision-making and execution processes is influenced by structural and individual factors. Structural factors include the absence of appropriate infrastructure, discriminatory laws, and negative attitudes toward people with disabilities. Conversely, individual factors involve a lack of trust in non-disabled individuals and authorities and insufficient awareness of their rights and capabilities. The distrust of individuals with disabilities toward institutions and authorities stems from negative experiences and discrimination in various aspects of life. This distrust can lead to misunderstandings, judgments, and social exclusion. On the other hand, the attachment of individuals with disabilities to their residence and the establishment of strong social networks can provide essential emotional and social support. However, if they cannot participate easily in their communities, they may experience feelings of isolation and exclusion, limiting their access to education, employment, and healthcare services.