Public green space and disabled users

Social statistics indicate that the proportion of disabled people in the economically developed societies of the Western world is increasing. Thus more and more people are relying on special assistance and services. Environmental pollution and individual stress pose significant burdens to the majority of the constantly increasing urban population, especially the disabled, because they are dependent on suitable environments to serve their needs. These problems need to be remedied through planning and management. An empirical survey of the Isle of Mainau, located on Lake Constance in Southern Germany, shows that people with officially recognised disabilities feel stigmatised by green space that is specially designed for visitors with handicaps. People with lighter handicaps would like to have more attention and services rendered to them. ‘Standard users’, particularly those of higher income with better education, are reluctant to concede the entire island park's design and infrastructure to accommodate the needs of disabled visitors.