Promoting Participation of Stakeholders in Community-Based Rehabilitation in Sri Lanka: Process of Action Research in Anuradhapura.

Author(s)

  • Masateru Higashida
  • M.R. Shantha Kumara
  • Menikralage Gamini Illangasingha

Reference

“Promoting Participation of Stakeholders in Community-Based Rehabilitation in Sri Lanka: Process of Action Research in Anuradhapura”. International Journal of Social Science Studies Vol. 3, No.3; May 2015.

Applied research areas

Thematic issues

Impairment

Geographical areas

Author's summary

This study examines the participation of stakeholders, including disabled people, in disability and community issues in rural areas in Sri Lanka. As a conceptual framework, four dimensions of participation in community-based rehabilitation (CBR) are summarised from previous research. This research was mainly conducted in the model administrative division of the national CBR programme in Anuradhapura district. An action research approach was applied in March 2013, which consisted of eight steps. The study used data from the hearing survey on disabled children under 18 years old (n=103), semi-structured interviews with disabled people (n=20), focus group discussions with participants of community workshops (n=34) and social services officers (n=5) separately, and the authors’ field notes, amongst others. Data were analysed with a qualitative procedure, except for quantitative data. Showing the four dimensions of participation in each step, we found promoting participation of various stakeholders improved disabled people’s living conditions and enhanced their empowerment. The study also revealed elements that were significant in promoting participation through the action research process: key persons, information and network, utilising existing local resources, dialogue in meetings, and multisectional practice. Finally, we discuss the theoretical implications of this research.

Resource Center comment

Cette recherche appliquée qui se base sur une étroite collaboration avec les acteurs de terrain de la réadaptation à base communautaire (RBC) dans les territoires ruraux au Sri Lanka, montre que ce type d’organisation inclusive est efficace pour le développement et l’épanouissement des personnes handicapées. 
Ce document est intéressant car il permet de promouvoir la réadaptation à base communautaire (RBC), type d’organisation inclusif qui est en adéquation avec les principes de la Convention relation aux Droits des Personnes Handicapées (CDPH).
Ce document peut s’adresser aux personnes qui souhaitent s’informer sur la réadaptation à base communautaire (RBC) et ses effets positifs sur les personnes handicapées dans un pays en voie de développement.
 
[ENG]
This applied research is based on a close collaboration with different parties involved in the field of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) in rural areas in Sri Lanka. The research demonstrates that this type of inclusive organisation is efficient for the development and fulfilment of people with disabilities.
This document is interesting because it promotes CBR, a form  of inclusive organisation in line with the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) 
The research might be interest to people who want to learn about CBR and its positive effects on people with disabilities in developing countries.
 

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