Adults with mobility impairments access to mobility assistive technology in Effutu Municipality

Abstract

This study examined how adults with mobility impairments access mobility assistive technologies in Effutu Municipality, Winneba in the Central Region of Ghana. The study was underpinned by Penchansky’ Theory of Access. The research design used was a case study. The target population for the study was twelve (12) participants consisting of seven (7) males and five (5) females. Census sampling technique was used to select the sample size. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the use of semi-structured interview guide. A thematic approach was applied in analyzing the data. The findings from the study revealed that participants relied on donor support, family members and other charitable organizations as sources to access mobility services. Participants also confirmed that there were several benefits of accessing mobility assistive technologies including independent ambulation and performing daily living activities. Some of the barriers to accessing mobility services were financial constraints and lack of awareness about funding mobility assistive technologies. The study recommends that the government and other stakeholders in collaboration with department of social welfare and other donor agencies should always assist in providing access to mobility assistive technologies to adults with mobility impairments.