Socioeconomic Determinants of Housing Choice and Living Conditions among Persons with Visual Impairment in Southwestern Nigeria (Published)
The living conditions of persons with visual impairment (PVI) are shaped not only by physical limitations but also by socioeconomic realities that determine housing access and quality. This paper examines the socioeconomic characteristics of PVI and how these influence their choice of home conditions in Southwestern Nigeria. Drawing on a cross-sectional survey of visually impaired individuals across specialized schools, rehabilitation centres, and private residences in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States, the study employed a mixed-method approach involving structured questionnaires and key-informant interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and chi-square tests to explore the relationship between income, education, and employment status with housing adequacy and satisfaction. Findings revealed that 58% of respondents were within the economically active age of 30–49 years, 61% were male, and 54% had at least secondary education. Income disparities were pronounced: 47% earned below ₦70,000 monthly, constraining access to quality housing. A significant correlation (χ² = 21.43, p < 0.01) was found between educational attainment and housing adequacy, while income strongly predicted the ability to retrofit or maintain accessible home features. The study concludes that socioeconomic inequality remains a major barrier to inclusive housing for the visually impaired and recommends targeted subsidies, inclusive design policies, and adaptive housing programmes to promote autonomy and well-being.
Keywords: Housing Adequacy, Southwestern Nigeria, Visual impairment, inclusive design, socioeconomic status
An Inventory of Home Facilities for Persons with Visual Impairment in Southwestern Nigeria: A Pathway Toward Inclusive Housing Design (Published)
Accessible housing remains a cornerstone of social inclusion for persons with visual impairment. This study inventorised home facilities available to the visually impaired in Southwestern Nigeria to assess adequacy, accessibility, and functionality. Data were collected from 587 respondents across four states (Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, and Oyo) using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and direct observations. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and weighted mean indices, while qualitative insights complemented interpretation. Findings revealed that 76.5% of homes had basic facilities such as electricity, water, and ventilation, but less than 28% incorporated adaptive features like tactile pathways, non-slip floors, audible alarms, or voice-activated systems. The provision of accessible bathrooms (31.2%) and handrails (35.4%) was low, particularly in rural settings. Smart technologies were virtually absent (<10%) due to cost and awareness constraints. The results underscore a persistent gap between conventional and inclusive design, shaped by income disparities and policy neglect. The study concludes that the existing facilities are largely inadequate for promoting autonomy among the visually impaired. It recommends the integration of universal design principles in building codes, targeted retrofitting programs, and disability-inclusive housing policies to improve safety, independence, and overall residential satisfaction.
Keywords: Accessibility, Southwestern Nigeria, Visual impairment, home facilities, inclusive housing, universal design