A SWOT Analysis of the Effects of E-Municipality Services on Disabled Citizens

Sanem Berkün

Abstract

With this study, the effects of the e-municipality services on the disabled are scrutinized. Urging upon the development process and the qualities of e-government and the e-municipality services as its extension, the necessity to provide e-municipality services compatible with the diverse characteristics of disabled individuals is emphasised. It aims to reach information related to the actions that can be taken to increase the availability of the e-municipality services by determining the factors providing convenience for the disabled or the obstacles they face. Within the context of the study, a literature review is made about the-services that local authorities provide for the disabled via e-government and e-municipality in Turkey and the problems the disabled face in accessing these-services. Subsequently, benefiting from the secondary data, the advantages and disadvantages of the effects of e-municipality services in Turkey are exhibited with the SWOT analysis technique. On the basis of the findings, suggestions to increase the functionality of the e-municipality services for the disabled are submitted. E-municipality applications provide time flexibility, the quality of the-services, and pace in procedures and eliminate spatial accessibility problems. However, experienced and qualified personnel in the accessibility of e-municipality activities are few. The necessary investment and infrastructure support for the local authorities required to meet the standards of e-municipality are not provided. Among the disabled, there are individuals who require financial support for internet services, computer hardware, and adapted technology. This study aims to determine the factors providing convenience for the disabled during access to the e-municipality services process and the obstacles they face. Turkey has started e-municipality applications in recent history. For this developing country, which is at the beginning of the process, it is of vital importance to determine the disadvantages and take necessary additional precautions. The ultimate aim of this study is to present a small contribution to this need. Information, interest, and awareness intended for the disabled in Turkey increase continuously, and solutions for the social, psychological, economic, and spatial problems are searched. However, information technologies and e-services are new and rapidly developing fields in Turkey. Following the international standards in this field will not only catch up with the developed countries but also provide the e-services to be available for the disabled. The study is drawn up to attract attention on the subject and to contribute to the gap in literature.

 

Keywords: e-municipality, e-government, the disabled, local government, Turkey.  

 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55463/hkjss.issn.1021-3619.62.16


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