Disability in Yorogo-Yipala Community: A Matter of Perception

Abstract

Disability is often perceived negatively perhaps due to ignorance and some prevailing socio-cultural beliefs as well as economic factors. The challenges facing people with disabilities (PWDs) therefore are varied; they come in the form of violation of human rights, poverty, stigma, discrimination and exclusion. Disability is closely associated with poverty and it is also a barrier to education, employment, access to public services and social protection. In most cases, disability has been addressed through charitable approaches without the recognition of the rights and participation of persons with disabilities, like other citizens. The objectives of the study included the assessment of the causes of physical disability and the perception of rural folks about people with disability. The study employed a mixed method approach where both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used. Focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews and observation were utilised to collect data. The respondents also displayed positive perceptions about disability. This is inspiring, though the positive perceptions seem not to have translated into attitudinal change. Most participants appear to have positive attitudes toward disability, and this could reduce stigmatisation and discrimination against people with physical disabilities (PWPDs). This is also a signal that stigma and discrimination against the disabled were not widespread among the respondents. This study therefore recommends that outfits like the department of social welfare in Bolgatanga municipality should be equipped logistically to increase their efforts in sensitising rural communities on disability issues.