Perspectives of Persons with Physical Impairments: Issues of Accessibility of Transportation Systems for Effective Inclusion in the English-Speaking Regions of Cameroon

The paper investigated the adaptation for accessibility of transportation systems for effective inclusion of persons with physical disabilities in the English- speaking regions of Cameroon. Specifically, the article seeks to find out the impact of priority seating arrangement, the impact of audio-visual tactile information service, the impact of accessible parking and the provision of emergency evacuation plans on effective inclusion of persons with physical disabilities in the English-Speaking Regions of Cameroon. Literature was reviewed conceptually, theoretically and empirically. Using exploratory research design, the study sample 12 persons with physical disabilities, using an interview guide and observational check-list. Therefore, the study made use of qualitative data. The qualitative data was analyzed thematically, using themes and sample quotations. The findings showed that the current priority seating system in public transportation within the participants' community fails to provide an inclusive and accessible experience for individuals with physical, visual, and hearing impairments. Also, the findings from this research indicate that the lack of accessible and inclusive audio-visual tactile information in the public transportation systems of the English-Speaking Regions of Cameroon presents significant barriers to the full and equal participation of persons with physical disabilities. Moreover, the results of this study show that accessible parking impact effective inclusion of persons with physical disabilities in the English-Speaking Regions of Cameroon. Finally, the findings indicate a concerning lack of adequate emergency evacuation plans and procedures that consider the needs and safety of individuals with physical disabilities in the transportation infrastructure of the region. It was therefore, concluded that the adaptation for accessibility of transportation systems had a high effect on the inclusion of persons with physical disabilities in the English- speaking regions of Cameroon. Based on this, it is suggested thattransport providers should enhance the Priority Seating System; implement clear and visible markings for priority seating areas in public transportation vehicles, ensure that priority seating is designed with the specific needs of individuals with physical, visual, and hearing impairments in mind, such as providing adjustable and ergonomic seating options and develop and enforce policies that mandate the proper use of priority seating and promote a culture of respect and awareness among passengers.本论文针对喀麦隆英语区的交通系统无障碍适配展开研究，以切实推动肢体残疾（persons with physical disabilities）人员的有效融入为核心目标。具体而言，本文旨在探究优先座位安排、视听触觉信息服务（audio-visual tactile information service）、无障碍停车位（accessible parking）设置以及应急疏散预案（emergency evacuation plans）的制定，对喀麦隆英语区肢体残疾群体有效融入公共交通系统的影响。本研究从概念、理论与实证三个维度对相关文献进行了系统梳理。研究采用探索性研究设计（exploratory research design），以12名肢体残疾人员为调研样本，借助访谈指南（interview guide）与观察检查表（observational check-list）开展数据采集工作，因此本研究以定性数据（qualitative data）为核心分析素材。定性数据通过主题分析法（thematic analysis）进行编码分析，以主题框架与样本引用作为分析依据。研究结果显示，参与调研群体所在社区当前的公共交通优先座位系统，无法为肢体、视觉及听觉障碍群体提供包容且无障碍的出行体验。此外，本研究结果表明，喀麦隆英语区公共交通系统中缺失具备包容性的无障碍视听触觉信息服务，这对肢体残疾群体实现充分平等的出行参与造成了显著阻碍。进一步而言，研究结果证实，无障碍停车位的设置对喀麦隆英语区肢体残疾群体的有效融入具有积极影响。最后，研究发现该区域交通基础设施中，缺乏兼顾肢体残疾群体需求与安全的完善应急疏散预案及流程，这一现状令人担忧。综上，本研究得出结论：交通系统的无障碍适配对喀麦隆英语区肢体残疾群体的出行融入具有显著作用。基于上述研究结论，本研究建议交通运营方应优化优先座位系统：其一，在公共交通车辆内设置清晰醒目的优先座位区域标识；其二，优先座位的设计应充分考量肢体、视觉及听觉障碍群体的特定需求，例如提供可调节式人体工学座椅；其三，制定并强制执行优先座位的规范使用政策，同时在乘客群体中培育尊重与包容的出行文化。