Realizing Accessibility in Thailand: Make the Right Real, Lifelong Education, and Decent Work for Persons with Mobility Disabilities

บทคัดย่อ

This Mixed-Methods research aims two objectives: (1) to identify systemic barriers that hinder Persons with Mobility or Physical Disabilities (PMDs) in Thailand from accessing Lifelong Education (LE) and Decent Work (DW); and (2) to propose a scalable framework integrating Universal Design and AI-driven technologies, such as NiNA1479, to address these challenges. The study aligns with global frameworks like the CRPD, SDGs, and Thailand's “Make the Right Real” initiative, ensuring a robust integration of local and international perspectives. Quantitative data from 400 PMDs aged 15 and above revealed significant disparities in satisfaction with LE (mean: 3.11) and DW (mean: 3.41), driven by income (F(5, 394) = 6.20, p < .001) and education levels (F(6, 393) = 3.97, p < .001). Qualitative insights from 18 stakeholder organizations across nine sectors, including policymakers, educators, and employers, highlighted systemic challenges such as weak law enforcement, insufficient adaptive technologies, and infrastructure gaps, particularly in rural areas. These findings underscore the critical need for targeted interventions. The proposed NiNA1479 Framework leverages Universal Design principles and AI-driven tools to bridge accessibility gaps. It integrates adaptive learning platforms, AI-powered job-matching systems, and universal workplace accommodations, addressing Thailand’s urban-rural disparities. Drawing on global best practices—Finland’s educational inclusivity, Japan’s employment quotas, Germany’s AI-driven inclusion tools, Australia’s adaptive technology subsidies, South Korea’s smart urban planning, the U.S.’s ADA enforcement, and Singapore’s digital infrastructure—the framework fosters sustainable accessibility. Recommendations include stronger enforcement of CRPD-aligned policies, public-private collaborations, and investments in assistive technologies. By addressing these barriers, this research provides a transformative roadmap to empower PMDs, aligning Thailand with international standards and setting a benchmark for inclusive development.