Disability and Social Exclusion: Experiences of Individuals with Visual Impairments in the Oshikoto and Oshana Regions of Namibia

Type Journal Article - Psychology and Developing Societies
Title Disability and Social Exclusion: Experiences of Individuals with Visual Impairments in the Oshikoto and Oshana Regions of Namibia
Author(s)
Volume 29
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2017
Page numbers 22-43
URL http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0971333616689203
Abstract
This article explores the experiences of social exclusion of individuals with visual impairment (IWVI) as they negotiate their daily lives in their homes and societal settings in the Oshana and Oshikoto regions of Namibia. Employing qualitative research approach, this research tried to better understand the lived experiences of IWVI. Nine IWVI with ages ranging from 30 to 90 years were initially engaged in focus group discussions, followed by semi-structured in-depth individual interviews. The findings of this research indicated that IWVI experience exclusion from education, employment and social and community participation as well as relationships. Based on these findings, we suggest more inclusive policies to address social exclusion of IWVI. At the same time, this group of individuals should be empowered to participate in community activities to promote interaction with people without visual impairments.

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