The Challenges Facing People with Physical Disabilities in Accessing Public Services in Qardho, Puntland, Somalia

Abstract

This study examines the challenges faced by people with physical disabilities in accessing public service in Qardho, Puntland Somalia, and explores strategies for improving accessibility. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 115 respondents, including 60 wheelchair users, 23 school principals, 21 mosque imams, 5 restaurant owners, 3 supermarket managers, and 3 hotel managers, selected purposively. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel.  The study found that 90% of mosques and 100% of schools and supermarkets interviewed do not have physically disabled clients. Additionally, none of the targeted mosques, schools, supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants have special toilets or signposts. Furthermore, 90.48% of mosques, 86.96% of schools, 66.67% of supermarkets, 66.66% of hotels, and 60% of restaurants assessed lack provisions such as ramps, elevators, and stairlifts for the physically challenged. To address these challenges, the study recommends policy enforcement on accessibility standards, investment in disability-friendly infrastructure, awareness campaigns to promote inclusion and training for service providers on disability accommodations.