Wheelchair Accessibility to Public Buildings in the Kumasi Metropolis

Disability is a functional or structural limitation within the individual caused by physical, mental or sensory impairment (Driedger 1991). There are various groups of disabilities: the visually impaired, hearing impaired, cognitive impaired, speech disorders, intellectual and physical disabilities. Disability is defined as any restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for humanity (WHO 1980). Thus, disability represents disturbance at the level of the person. In 1980, the World Health Organization classified disability using the International Classification of Impairment, Disabilities and Handicaps framework. The framework was revised in 2001 using the International Classification of Functioning to include three main components: body functions and structure, activities and participation and environmental factors (Useh, Moyo & Munyonga 2001; WHO 2001).