Lives among the agile: Lived experiences of people living with physical disability in Northwest Nigeria

Research Aim This study addresses the shortage of research on individuals with physical disabilities in North-western Nigeria. Focusing on the lived experiences of People Living with Physical Disabilities (PLwPDs), the research explores daily navigation, sustenance, resource utilisation, and relationship cultivation within local communities. Methodology Employing a narrative storytelling approach, the study documents the experiences of 15 participants through digital audio recordings, supplemented by visual data such as photographs and video diaries. Labov's narrative analysis framework, assisted by NVivo software, facilitated the data analysis. Findings The research unveils significant barriers to education, successful navigation of social and environmental challenges, adaptability, resourcefulness in accommodating needs, challenges in forming lasting partnerships, and the government's role in the lives of PLwPDs. Notably, PLwPDs exhibit remarkable resourcefulness, creatively crafting mobility aids such as tricycles to overcome non-disability-friendly environments. Additionally, the study emphasises the ingenuity of PLwPDs in addressing environmental challenges, particularly through the creation of tricycles and rollers for navigating rough terrains. Despite limited resources, PLwPDs display resilience, which can be attributed to efforts from disability centres and charity organisations providing training for self- sustainability. Conclusion This research underscores the resourcefulness of PLwPDs in North-western Nigeria, thus contributing to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The findings offer insights for shaping public health practices and policies, particularly in relation to disability support and accessibility in Nigeria.