Experiences of students with physical disabilities in accessing key facilities in the university of education, Winneba

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to explore the experiences of students with physical disabilities in accessing key facilities in the University of Education, Winneba. It is qualitative research that adopted a phenomenological case study research design. A purposive sample size of nine students with physical disabilities was used for the study. The method for data collection was an interview. Data were analyzed using a content analysis technique and themes from respondents. The result of the study showed that students with physical disabilities experience difficulties in accessing most of the key facilities in the University. Apart from the lecture halls and the residential facilities which they struggled to use on daily basis, they were unable to use the rest of the facilities. Students with physical disabilities face a lot of challenges when climbing the staircase with their crutches and artificial limbs to access almost all the facilities. They also depend heavily on their classmates, roommates, colleagues and friends. In some cases family members and time management to cope with the challenges. Recommendations of the study include the need to provide greater attention to the maintenance of the lift at the faculty block to reduce the challenges in using the staircase. Also the need to construct rumps and handrails to provide them with support.