V3I10P18

Accessibility and Inclusivity of Public Buildings for People with Disabilities in Akure Metropolis, Nigeria

Asaolu N. V^1*, Alade K. T²

Abstract

This research analyses accessibility in public buildings throughout Akure Metropolis Ondo State Nigeria by assessing awareness levels and infrastructure adherence and their effect on marginalised populations. A survey research design served the study while a structured questionnaire collected data. The researchers selected 286 people using stratified random sampling to conduct the study while analyzing the responses from the 231 valid participants.

The results from Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that public buildings and design and infrastructure designs favoring inclusivity possess a robust positive correlation (r = 0.675, p < 0.001). The relationship between policy and legislation and inclusivity showed moderate strength (r = 0.428, p < 0.001) yet policy and legislation and inclusivity demonstrated weak yet statistically significant strength (r = 0.198, p = 0.003). The connection between policy and legislation and technological advancement proved to be the most powerful relationship (r = 0.573, p < 0.001).

The regression analysis results show a strong relationship between dependent and independent factors through an R value of 0.707. These predictors explain 50% of the inclusivity variance in the model according to the R² value of 0.500. The data showed that discrimination towards people with disabilities in public buildings access reaches moderate and high levels which demonstrates a persistent social barrier system. The study discovers that inadequate accessibility policy enforcement as well as subpar infrastructure together with negative societal views lead to public building exclusion for disabled persons. The study proposes stronger accessibility law enforcement and improved infrastructure along with higher public awareness campaigns to create an inclusive environment.

Keywords:

Infrastructure, Public buildings, Inclusivity, Accessibility, Disability