A Factorial Study of Accessibility Requirements for Paraplegics Mobility in Built Up Environment

Abstract

This paper examines various variables that hinder or facilitate paraplegics
accessibility to public buildings in Nigeria, especially storey buildings, up to the point of
service delivery. To address this problem, this study introduced a survey approach,
incorporating the method of Rensis Likert’s attitudinal scale, to generate respondents’ data
matrix that was analysed with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) using statistiXL
software. Spectacularly, our model clustered the gamut of variables, each weilding
significant loading on a factor, into nine distinct factors which were creatively labeled:
accessibility enhancers, inclusive design legislation, mobility difficulties, utility of mobility
aids, user-friendliness of systems, utility of monocoque, social welfarism, helpfulness of
inclusive design and, person centricity design. Furthermore, our findings provide support
for the notion that the proposed monocoque is an imperative. The paper concludes by
suggesting that the outcome of this research is needful and helpful to Town Planners,
Architects, Human Factors Engineers (Ergonomists), Civil Engineers, Social Workers and,
especially the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), in our
society’s effort to whittle down the perceived mobility challenges of the paraplegics in
Nigeria.