The disability inclusiveness of buildings in higher education institutions in Ghana: the case of KNUST

Abstract

This study was undertaken in a Higher Education Institution in Ghana. It sought to ascertain how inclusive the built environment was to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and how facility officers, as compliance officers were performing with regard to ensuring inclusive built environments. This was to be expected in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Ghana’s Persons with Disability Act. The study involved a mixed method approach.

There were interviews, questionnaire administration and the use of a checklist to assess the inclusiveness of 30 purposively selected buildings after initial stratification. The levels of inclusiveness were subsequently calculated. The study found out that the facilities in the Institution were not as inclusive as they ought to be. It also came to light that the work of the facility officers was constrained by the lack of the requisite complement of enabling legislative and regulatory framework that was needed to ensure compliance. It was accordingly recommended that the Institution should come up with a Disability

Policy document and that various stakeholders in the Institution should have a clear appreciation of the job description of the facility officers.