ENVIRONMENT IN THE STRUCTURE OF LIFE QUALITY OF DISABLED PEOPLE

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to present the results of the analysis of wheelchair users' opinions on their environment, which is one of the main factors determining the quality of human life. As a result of the research, the lowest assessments were found in the following sub-spheres: «Physical security»; «The environment of the house»; «Financial resources»; «Opportunities for acquiring new information and skills». In the sub-sphere of «medical and social assistance» wheelchair users are most accessible to medical and social services, and the least to authorities and organizations providing personal services. On the sub-sphere of «the environment around (contamination / noise / climate / attractiveness)», the majority of the respondents, on the contrary, expressed positive opinions. Respondents in the sub-sphere of «opportunities for recreation and entertainment and their use» are provided with a low degree of services by educational institutions, commercial organizations and sports institutions, in comparison with social and medical ones. Under the «transport» sub-sphere, the movement of disabled wheelchair users out of housing makes it more difficult to arrange sidewalks, the inappropriateness of public transport, the condition of staircases, the planning of entrances, the lack of an elevator, the slippery tiling of steps.