Dimensions of Legal Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities in Public Services
Keywords:
Legal accessibility, disability rights, public services, qualitative research, Iran, structural barriers, NVivo analysis, CRPDAbstract
This study aimed to explore the dimensions of legal accessibility for persons with disabilities in public services, focusing on structural, informational, procedural, and attitudinal barriers in the context of Tehran, Iran. A qualitative research design grounded in phenomenological inquiry was employed to capture the lived experiences of persons with disabilities in accessing legal and administrative services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 participants selected through purposive sampling in Tehran. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis with the aid of NVivo software. The analysis proceeded through open, axial, and selective coding, ensuring an inductive approach to theme generation. Trustworthiness was established through peer debriefing, member checking, and triangulation of coding procedures. Thematic analysis yielded four core dimensions of legal accessibility: (1) structural barriers in legal access, including inaccessible physical infrastructure and digital platforms; (2) limited awareness and understanding of legal rights due to poor outreach and legal illiteracy; (3) negative experiences in interactions with legal and administrative bodies, characterized by discrimination, communication breakdowns, and procedural complexity; and (4) enabling factors and recommendations, including the supportive role of advocacy organizations, inclusive policies, and proposed legal reforms. Participants described widespread inaccessibility and institutional distrust, but also highlighted practical solutions and positive institutional practices. Legal accessibility for persons with disabilities in Tehran is constrained by multifaceted and intersecting barriers that limit equal participation in justice and public services. Addressing these challenges requires structural reforms, rights-based education, institutional training, and inclusive policymaking. The findings offer evidence-based insights to inform national disability strategies and promote compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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