An emancipatory research on CBR and the barriers faced by persons with disabilities

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this research was to understand the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in their daily lives and the role of CBR projects in overcoming them. Method: A group of persons with disabilities involved in CBR activities was identified and trained in participatory research methodologies. Research was carried out, with support from a scientific advisory group, through sharing of life stories in residential meetings focusing on specific themes. These meetings were attended by 368 persons with disabilities. Results: The barriers identified ranged from isolation, neglect, abuse and violence to lack of access to social, health, education and livelihood opportunities. People faced their first barriers in their own families. Families also played an important role in overcoming some barriers at the individual level. CBR projects assisted people in overcoming barriers mainly by providing information, by facilitating access to existing support and by helping persons in communities to take collective action against the barriers. The research also stimulated DPOs and CBR projects to identify some gaps in tackling the barriers and to start action to overcome them. Conclusions: CBR projects can play a role in overcoming some barriers faced by persons with disabilities. Emancipatory research yields rich data, facilitates ownership and possibly future sustainability.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programmes can promote mainstreaming and helping in overcoming some barriers faced by persons with disabilities in the communities.

• CBR programmes can facilitate collective action by persons with disabilities in overcoming barriers to inclusion and participation.

• Participatory research approaches such as emancipatory research can play a role in understanding disability issues and at the same time, help CBR programmes to identify gaps and strengthen activities.

• Community-based rehabilitation
• life-stories
• participatory

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the staff of the two CBR projects under MOB and SRMAB, the persons with disabilities who participated in meetings and as researchers and the AIFO India office. The authors would also like to thank all members of the scientific advisory group, especially Anita Ghai, Enrico Pupulin and Nick Emmel. A special remembrance is due to the late Mr. Naidu of Basic Needs India for his ideas about ER and for his participation in some meetings. Finally, thanks are due to Sally Hartley and Tom Shakespeare for reviewing and improving this paper, to Robin Lauckner for the language review, and to the funders of this research – AIFO Italy, SMHF Japan, FIRAH France and DAHW Germany.