Barriers to Mainstream Participation of Persons with Disabilities: A Qualitative Study of Persons with Physical Disabilities in Techiman, Ghana

Type Thesis or Dissertation - Master's Thesis
Title Barriers to Mainstream Participation of Persons with Disabilities: A Qualitative Study of Persons with Physical Disabilities in Techiman, Ghana
Author(s)
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2013
Abstract
This study uses data from qualitative interviews and focus group discussions to explore the lived experiences of persons with disabilities in Techiman, Ghana. The study found that persons with disabilities hardly enjoy equal rights and privileges as their able-bodied counterparts in the Ghanaian society. Parsons with disabilities in Ghana are often denied access to education, employment, healthcare, social activities, decision making, and leadership positions. Persons with disabilities are also less likely to be accepted in marriage. Discrimination against persons with disabilities result mainly from negative perceptions about disability, especially the perception that disability is either a sickness or a curse. Participants observed, however, that perceptions about disability, and the corresponding attitudes towards persons with disabilities, are improving recently mainly due to public education. As control measures, participants suggested vigorous public education campaigns aimed at cultural and ideological changes. Participants also suggested structural changes, particularly policies and legislations that would make public places accessible to persons with disabilities, and enhance the opportunities of persons with disabilities to take part in all decisions affecting them.

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