ARTICLE: WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY OF RELIGIOUS PLACES OF WORSHIP IN ANAMBRA, NIGERIA
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Study Reveals Low Wheelchair Accessibility in Religious Places of Worship in Anambra State, Nigeria
In a revealing new study published in the Journal of Disability & Religion, researchers have highlighted the significant accessibility challenges faced by individuals with disabilities at religious places of worship (RPWs) in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study, titled “Wheelchair-Accessibility of Religious Places of Worship in Anambra State, Nigeria,” was conducted by Christopher Olusanjo Akosile, Emmanuel Onyekachukwu Nwakasi, Kenneth Umezulike Ani, Emmanuel Chiebuka Okoye, and Ugochinyere Monique Okeke.
The study utilized a cross-sectional survey to assess the wheelchair accessibility of 193 RPWs across the state. Researchers measured factors such as route width, door width, ramp grades, and step heights, comparing these with standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines.
The findings were startling. While the majority of doorways (94.3%) and routes (94.8%) were deemed wheelchair-accessible, only a small fraction of RPWs met accessibility standards for ramps (4.2%) and steps (10.2%). Furthermore, none of the 61 RPWs requiring elevators had any installed, which further exacerbates the inaccessibility for wheelchair users.
Overall, the study revealed that a mere 3.6% of religious places of worship in the region are fully wheelchair-accessible, leaving many individuals with mobility challenges excluded from participating fully in religious activities.
This study underscores the urgent need for greater attention to accessibility in places of worship to ensure inclusivity for all members of society, regardless of physical ability. The researchers are calling for urgent action from religious organizations and local authorities to address these disparities and ensure that all places of worship are accessible to people with disabilities.
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