Accessibility in a middle-sized city: A large-scale survey on perceptions of people with visual impairment

Accessibility of cities involves designing spaces and services to enable everyone to live independently and fully participate in urban life. This study aims to gather the perspectives of individuals with visual impairment on the accessibility of everyday environments in Padua, a middle-sized urban centre in Northeastern Italy. A total of 204 participants with visual impairment completed an online survey designed to meet accessibility standards, including adjustable text size, audio descriptions, and screen readers compatibility. Findings show that 70% of respondents frequently experience physical and social barriers in local services and transport; 61% in health services; 58% in commerce; 41% in sports; and 38% in both cultural and educational settings. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses further identified specific barriers, which reflected both physical and social dimensions. Social barriers, alongside physical ones, should be a primary focus in evaluating the accessibility of urban environments and in planning subsequent interventions.