An accessible built environment is critical for ensuring that people with disabilities (PWDs) can safely and independently use public spaces. This research targets the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Ghana to determine the accessibility features of the stadium and measure how satisfactory the features are in catering to PWDs. Using the mixed-methods research design, the study involved handing out questionnaires to 25 PWD respondents and conducting 12 in-depth interviews to attain saturation in an attempt to obtain holistic comprehension into the experiences of PWDs at the stadium. SPSS version 27 was employed to analyze the data, making use of descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages, while thematic analysis (manual) was employed for the qualitative interview responses. The research established that there are some existing accessibility features, but there are significant barriers, including inadequate signage, poorly constructed entrance points, and limited accessible seating. Respondents generally characterized the general accessibility of the stadium as moderate and requiring improvement. Despite the passing of the Persons with Disability Act 2006, the report established that implementation of its provisions was weak and that PWDs still experience challenges. Future research should focus on longitudinal investigations to monitor the effectiveness of changes created over time and to accrue opinions from different disability groups. In addition, extending the study to investigate more numbers of public facilities in Ghana would increase the understanding of accessibility issues throughout the country. Involvement of stakeholders, particularly with PWD advocacy groups, is important to facilitate inclusive design practices and see that the requirements of all the users are covered in the built environment. The study lays groundwork for future activities towards enhancing public infrastructure accessibility in Ghana to ensure social inclusion and equal participation among PWDs. The study suggests that stadium management must prioritize the provision of complete accessibility audits, enhancing staff training with a focus on disability awareness, advocating for the improved enforcement of accessibility law, and implementing feedback systems to render stadiums more inclusive and foster social interaction for all, and in particular, people with disabilities.

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Creating an Accessible Built Environment: A Case Study of Ghana’s Baba Yara Sports Stadium

  • Derrick Amponsah Nti,
  • Benjamin Botchway,
  • K. S. Anandh,
  • Frank Ato Ghansah,
  • Prosper Badii

摘要

An accessible built environment is critical for ensuring that people with disabilities (PWDs) can safely and independently use public spaces. This research targets the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Ghana to determine the accessibility features of the stadium and measure how satisfactory the features are in catering to PWDs. Using the mixed-methods research design, the study involved handing out questionnaires to 25 PWD respondents and conducting 12 in-depth interviews to attain saturation in an attempt to obtain holistic comprehension into the experiences of PWDs at the stadium. SPSS version 27 was employed to analyze the data, making use of descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages, while thematic analysis (manual) was employed for the qualitative interview responses. The research established that there are some existing accessibility features, but there are significant barriers, including inadequate signage, poorly constructed entrance points, and limited accessible seating. Respondents generally characterized the general accessibility of the stadium as moderate and requiring improvement. Despite the passing of the Persons with Disability Act 2006, the report established that implementation of its provisions was weak and that PWDs still experience challenges. Future research should focus on longitudinal investigations to monitor the effectiveness of changes created over time and to accrue opinions from different disability groups. In addition, extending the study to investigate more numbers of public facilities in Ghana would increase the understanding of accessibility issues throughout the country. Involvement of stakeholders, particularly with PWD advocacy groups, is important to facilitate inclusive design practices and see that the requirements of all the users are covered in the built environment. The study lays groundwork for future activities towards enhancing public infrastructure accessibility in Ghana to ensure social inclusion and equal participation among PWDs. The study suggests that stadium management must prioritize the provision of complete accessibility audits, enhancing staff training with a focus on disability awareness, advocating for the improved enforcement of accessibility law, and implementing feedback systems to render stadiums more inclusive and foster social interaction for all, and in particular, people with disabilities.