Fostering Inclusive Development in Ghana
Improving access to and use of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities by persons with disabilities
Client: World Vision Ghana
Team: Africa WASH & Disability Study Team (engineers, designers, education) at The Collaboratory
Role: UX Researcher, site-team member
Methods: field study, ethnography, usability studies
The Challenge
Improve the access to and use of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities by persons with disabilities in Ghana through education and the development of simple, low-cost WASH technologies and modifications.
The Outcome
I conducted fieldwork and usability studies in Ghana to develop and improve WASH technologies for persons with disabilities. I also co-presented a workshop to promote disability awareness among leaders and engineers at World Vision Ghana.
The Challenge
Africa WASH & Disabilities Study partners with World Vision to increase access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities for persons with disabilities. We do so by improving water pumps, conducting assessments and user studies, and providing actionable recommendations in Mali, Ghana, and Niger.
Given my commitment to accessibility and inclusion, I collaborated with the Africa WASH & Disabilities Study team and joined their site-team trip to Ghana.
The Approach
As a researcher on the team, I completed fieldwork and usability studies to identify table-stake expectations and potential differentiators for our accessibility technology. I also co-presented a two-day workshop to increase disability awareness among World Vision Ghana leaders and engineers.
Impact
Examples of technology developments include:
Pump Superstructure Modifications: Addition of gradually sloped ramps and pump handle attachments
Transportation and Management of Water Modifications: Development of jerry can tippers and bucket tippers
Latrine Modifications: Height change of latrine chairs with hand supports to aid people with physical or visual impairments.