An Exploratory Study of the Situation of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria: Practice Consideration for Social Workers

J Evid Based Soc Work (2019). 2024 Jan 2;21(1):90-103. doi: 10.1080/26408066.2023.2265920. Epub 2024 Jan 3.

Abstract

Purpose: Disability is one of the various challenges that people face around the world. People with disabilities are confronted with a lot of challenges, and they experience depression, social marginalization, and isolation. The study aims to explore the situation of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

Method: To conduct this study, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect data from 45 purposively selected study participants (40 persons living with disabilities, and 5 chairpersons of a joint association of persons living with disabilities).

Results: Findings showed that some of the challenges facing persons living with disabilities in Nigeria include environmental, educational, and socio-economic challenges.

Discussion and conclusion: In conclusion, to overcome some of these challenges social workers should advocate for inclusive strategies and one way this can be realized is by the domestication and implementation of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

Keywords: Nigeria; Persons with disabilities; challenges; social work.

MeSH terms

  • Disabled Persons*
  • Focus Groups
  • Humans
  • Nigeria
  • Social Workers*