Normalising dependency: the role of assisted access in inaccessibility negotiations for disabled people

Inaccessibility is still a major cause of exclusion for disabled people, despite the many laws and policies. Their effectiveness may be influenced by different understandings of accessibility, and especially of its relation with assistance. In fact, while most legal definitions of accessibility emphasise the value of independence, in inaccessible environments receiving help to get access becomes an ordinary practice. Previous research found that whereas non-disabled people tend to normalise ‘assisted access’, disabled people may consider it discriminating and causing psycho-emotional distress. This mixed-method study seeks to identify the social circumstances influencing the acceptability of ‘assisted access’ to public buildings, comparing the perspectives of people with mobility impairments and shopkeepers in Italy. Contrasting expectations emerged regarding the feasibility of assisted access, the significance of independence, and society’s responsibilities, reflecting adherence to different models of disability. Findings suggest that accessibility policies should foster a common understanding of such circumstances.