A Comparative Analysis of the Access Levels of Individuals with Disabilities to Public Services and the Influencing Factors According to Their Residence in Rural and Urban Areas

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Abstract
Using Antalya province as a case study, this research investigates access to essential public services for individuals with physical, hearing, and visual impairments and the factors influencing it. Data were collected via face-to face interviews and questionnaires from 61 individuals with physical disabilities, 60 with hearing impairments, and 60 with visual impairments. Independent samples t-tests were employed to assess geographic disparities in access, while ordinal logistic regression analysis identified predictive factors. Analysis revealed that individuals with physical and visual disabilities experienced Limited Access (Level 2) in both rural and urban areas. In contrast, individuals with hearing disabilities demonstrated Full Access (Level 1) in urban areas but Limited Access in rural settings. The results indicate that while place of residence (rural versus urban) did not significantly impact access for the physically disabled group, rural residence negatively affected service access for those with hearing and visual impairments. Public services should therefore be reconfigured to address specific barriers for different disability groups and to implement effective oversight to improve overall accessibility.

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