“There is nothing wrong with me”: disability invisibility in a rural South African town

Abstract

Background: At a political and academic level, South Africa propagates a rights-based approach to disability. The aim of this paper is to explore how disability is conceptualized by persons with disabilities living in a rural area of South Africa.Methods: In keeping with explorative studies, the study utilized a qualitative design in the form of eight case studies. Case study participants were sampled purposively and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed according to the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis.Results: Five themes evolved from the findings. These were no identification with disability, individual approach to disability, the role of personal factors, the role of Christianity as well as attitudes, and support of significant others.Conclusion: Findings showed that there is a need to bridge the divide between rhetoric and reality for these participants whose stories might resonate with those of many other South Africans.Implications for rehabilitationSouth Africa is seen as a country that has an inclusive approach to disability and approach disability from a human rights angle.The article shows that some South Africans are excluded from the dialog on disability, human rights, access, and health care.Their health and community integration outcomes are left to crippling beliefs about disability, chance and personal attributes.The academic and political rhetoric does not describe the situation of study participants, and by assuming all South Africans are included, it further marginalizes them.