# Auditing Accessibility of Pavements and Points of Interest in Urban Areas: The 'Seek & Go' Tool +
## 2 Accessibility Needs in Urban Environments
### Mobility Obstacles in Urban Environments  
Disabled people often encounter challenges in various aspects of their daily lives, including accessibility to public and private spaces, healthcare services, information and communication, education, employment, culture, leisure, and transportation. Despite progress in recent years, evidence from the literature suggests that people with disabilities still encounter obstacles related to physical infrastructure, technology-based amenities, and architectural elements [16]. Examples of such barriers include inadequate traffic demarcation systems, lack of accessible sanitary facilities, insufficient emergency escape infrastructure, poorly designed ramps with steps at the end, and the misplacement of blind guides and other equipment. Such issues can be further compounded by inaccessible user manuals. First, individuals with mobility-related disabilities require specific accommodations to navigate their surroundings safely and comfortably. For instance, in outer spaces, sidewalks may lack sufficient signs, while barriers such as illegally parked cars and the presence of coffee shop furniture can impede the free movement of people. Moreover, accessing buildings can be a challenge for those who require wheelchair assistance due to narrow entrances. Accessibility barriers are also common in internal spaces. For example, it is necessary for building corridors to have smooth surfaces and sufficient crossing width, with distinct and easily recognizable boundaries. Additionally, smooth, non-slip flooring is essential to prevent accidents [17], and ramps, accessible elevators, and sturdy handrails on stairs are essential for ease of movement. Specifically, elevators may not offer sufficient space, and the control buttons could be inconveniently placed (e.g., at a high height). It is also important to ensure that toilets and bathrooms are equipped with appropriately placed fixtures and handles, and that clear, eye-level markings facilitate easy identification [21]. By prioritizing these accommodations, a more inclusive and accessible environment for all individuals can be created. Second, people with visual impairments heavily rely on auditory and tactile stimuli to navigate their environment. However, they often encounter significant challenges in communicating, receiving information, and utilizing equipment, devices, and aids [22]. Traditional forms of visual communication, such as printed materials and signage, can significantly limit accessibility for individuals with visual impairments. In particular, signage in Braille format or tactile structures should be present throughout spaces, with large fonts, strong color contrasts, and adequate lighting, while maintaining simplicity and clarity [23]. It is crucial to ensure that communication and information are accessible to all individuals to promote inclusivity and equal access. Third, individuals with hearing impairments often rely heavily on visual stimuli to supplement their understanding of information, particularly when audio systems are the sole means of communication. This can pose challenges in situations where additional visual information is not readily available. To address the specific needs of those with hearing impairments, environments with optimal acoustics are necessary [24]. Additionally, the use of sound aids and specialized equipment that facilitate alternative communication methods can greatly enhance the daily activities of this population. From an alternative point of view, a lack of adequate infrastructure and assistive technologies can inhibit the social participation of people with sensory impairments or learning disabilities, such as attaining museum experiences [25]. Notably, exploring a range of clinical, developmental, social, and environmental factors to facilitate the accessibility of disabled children (e.g., with visual impairment) to sports activities, physical exercise, and leisure is important for promoting emotional well-being and social connectivity [26].