Objectives:

to analyze the conditions of accessibility on public highways in view of the needs of disabled people;

To understand how external environments contribute to the social inclusion of people with disabilities;

Methodology:

Quantitative, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study from a non-probabilistic sample by rational choice - 31 streets (62 pedestrian paths), using an ad hoc evaluation grid (Decree-Law 163/2006) (1).

Results:

75.8% of the pedestrian paths evaluated allow access and permanence of a person in a wheelchair, as well as the frontal and lateral reach to objects placed on the road, however 22.6% of the paths are not accessible.

Conclusion:

although the current legislation and accessibility policies, there are still architectural barriers on public highways that rehabilitation nurse directly influence the independence of disabled people, which suggests that should develop effective work with municipalities.