Abstract
Healthcare services are a vital public service meant to safeguard and enhance public health across all demographics including people with disability (PWD). However, advancements in technology and medical specialities can sometimes create unequal access, leading to potential discrimination and emergencies. To address this, healthcare facilities must be universally accessible, accommodating individuals with disabilities or temporary impairments to ensure fair access to care. In Edo State, Nigeria, individuals with disabilities face notable challenges in accessibility to education, employment, and health services. This research, therefore, focuses on evaluating the level of compliance with universal accessibility standards in a selected medical facility by examining eight (8) design elements: parking spaces, ramps, doorways, pathways, handrails, ground and floor surfaces, toilets, and signage. The research aims to assess the physical condition of these elements and their adherence to the American Disability Act (ADA) standards. Using a structured observation approach with an observation checklist, the study found varying levels of compliance among the design elements. Parking spaces and handrails had the lowest compliance scores, while toilets and signage scored second lowest. Doorways and ramps had an average score, though better than the former group. Conversely, ground and floor surfaces and pathways showed the highest level of compliance. These findings suggest that the medical facility does not fully meet ADA standards for universal accessibility. The study concludes that there is a significant need for modifications to improve accessibility in the facility as the facility does not fully meet ADA standards. It recommends that both government and disability advocacy organisations prioritise universal accessibility in the design of medical facilities. Incorporating accessible features from the outset is more cost-effective than retrofitting existing structures, highlighting the importance of planning for accessibility for all categories of user from the beginning.
Key Words: Universal Accessibility, Economic Conditions, Public Health, Accessible Features, Irrua, Nigeria
A wonderful article. First of its kind! Highly value publication for more impact on people with disability.
This is a timely and fantastic work. Please keep the flag flying... In the world of work, innovation through research is indespensable to the actualization of civilization.
**Comment Reply:** This article provides a critical and timely assessment of universal accessibility at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. Your thorough evaluation of key design elements and their compliance with ADA standards sheds light on the pressing need for improvements in healthcare accessibility for individuals with disabilities in Edo State. The findings, particularly regarding the low compliance of parking spaces and handrails, highlight significant gaps that must be addressed to ensure equitable access to healthcare services. I commend your recommendations for both government and disability advocacy organizations to prioritize these issues in future planning. It's essential that healthcare facilities are designed with accessibility in mind from the start, as you rightly pointed out. This research not only raises awareness but also serves as a call to action for stakeholders to create an inclusive healthcare environment. Thank you for your important work in advocating for the rights of all individuals to access quality healthcare.