Variables for Inclusive Architectural Design of Arenas for Recreation among the Especially Abled in Owerri, Nigeria

The research sought to assess the variables that promote inclusivity ffor persons with disabilities (PWDs) in recreational arenas in Owerri, Nigeria, and the level of usability of recreational arenas among the specislly abled in the study area. The study adopted mixed-method research design: the data for the quantitative component was obtained from direct operationalisation of the table of variables definition, while the data for the qualitative aspect was obtained from structured interviews of building professionals who had experience in the design and operation of recreational arenas in the study area. Chi-square and Kendall’s tau-b statistical tools were deployed to the relationships and the nature of association of the variables in focus. In Hypothesis 1, which test states that “there is no significant relationship between inclusive architectural design variables and level of useability of recreational arenas by the specially abled in Owerri” the result of the analysis showed p-value of 0.00 which indicates statistically significant association, the Kendall’s tau-b correlation analysis was used to test the nature of the association, and the analysis showed a correlation coefficient value of 0.772 with a significance value of 0.00, revealing highly significant relationship which is moderate. In Hypothesis 2, which states that “ architectural accessibility features do not significantly influence useability of recreational arenas in Owerri by persons with disabilities (PWDs)”, the Kendall’s tau-b correlation analysis was also used to test the nature of association among architectural accessibility variables and useability of recreational arenas in Owerri by persons with disabilities (PWDs). The result of the analysis showed a correlation coefficient value of 0.887 with a significance value point (p-value) of 0.00, showing it is highly significant. The null hypothesis was rejected and the alternate accepted which states that architectural accessibility features significantly influence useability of recreational arenas in Owerri by persons with disabilities (PWDs).