LIVED EXPERIENCE OF PERSON WITH DISABILITY IN BARANGAY MAGSAYSAY, PLACER SURIGAO DEL NORTE VIS-À-VIS LACK OF OPPORTUNITIES TOWARDS ACCESSIBILITY: DISCRIMINATION AND PREJUDICE

Abstract

The goal of this study was to understand the typical forms of discrimination that affect persons with disabilities and how they deal with all the prejudice and discrimination they encounter in society. Also, this research was looking for possible opportunities they can avail themselves within the society. The researchers would also know how to provide the assistance they need and what kinds of organization they can go to for help. The study focused only in the Municipality of Placer specifically in Barangay Magsaysay. In terms of informants, it focuses only on five Person With Disabilities (PWD) who are 30 years old or above. A quota sampling method was employed in the selection of the participants. The study was undertaken from April 2023 until May 2023. This study utilized a type of qualitative research that determined the opportunities that can be accessed by disabled people and the common types of discrimination they get from the society. A phenomenological type of research study was used which describes an experience as it is lived by the person using the Individual Interview Method. Based on Thematic Analysis, the themes are formed such as Harassment, Indirect Discrimination, Victimisation and Ableism. This means that these types of discrimination are most frequently experienced by the PWDs. To deal with the discrimination they received from the society, they just cope up with stress-eating and they just rely on their mother’s protection to fight for them against the bullies. One of their coping mechanisms as well is to watch TV to deal with loneliness. On top of that, they just isolate themselves and play with their own toys. Moreover, it's hard for them to apply for a job, because of their impairments. This means that no matter what they try to do for their own contentment, they still get rejected. They are also having a hard time in communicating with people due to their impairments. In spite of the fact that they are PWDs, they still get a discount from the transportation and in the drug store. But they still feel discriminated in the society. Based on the results, the recommendations are first, the Department of Social Welfare and Development must create more jobs and businesses for PWD for them to get more income and be financially independent. Second, the researchers would also like to recommend security for PWD. Third, the business establishments must have a discount for PWD for their necessities so they can afford it. For the LGU they must have a special program where they are given donations and support for PWD.