Intellectual disability rights and inclusive citizenship in South Africa: What can a scoping review tell us?

Abstract

BackgroundIntellectual disability (ID) is the most prevalent disability in the world. People with intellectual disability (PWID) frequently experience extreme violations of numerous human rights. Despite greater prevalence in South Africa than in high-income countries, most ID research currently comes from the Global North. This leaves us with few contextually sensitive studies to draw from to advance inclusive citizenship.ObjectivesOur scoping review aims to investigate pertinent ID rights issues in South Africa, synthesise quantitative and qualitative studies, and provide a synopsis of available evidence on which to base future work. We aim to clarify key concepts, address gaps in the literature and identify opportunities for further research.MethodWe followed strict eligibility criteria. Medical subject heading terms were entered into seven databases. Seven reviewers worked independently, two per paper. Quantitative and qualitative data extraction forms were designed. We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and registered a protocol. An inductive approach enabled a thematic analysis of selected studies.ResultsBy following PRISMA guidelines, 82 studies were assessed for eligibility of which 59 were included. Ten sub-themes were integrated into four main themes: the right not to be discriminated against, the right to psychological and bodily integrity, the right to accommodating services and challenges to rights implementation.ConclusionPeople with intellectual disability face compound difficulties when trying to assert their constitutionally entitled rights. This ongoing project requires serious commitment and action. Statutory obligations to nurture every South African’s human rights naturally extend to PWID and their supporters who forge ahead in a disabling environment.

Children in South Africa with and without Intellectual Disabilities’ Rating of Their Frequency of Participation in Everyday Activities

“…Despite this study’s findings of some significant differences in the frequency of participation in everyday activities between children with and without ID in the South African context, there is a growing realization in the country of the importance of participation and independence for children with ID in leisure, family and community life [ 41 ]. Some useful community-based rehabilitation interventions [ 42 ] that target the empowerment of the caregivers of children with disabilities to be advocates for their children, are starting to break down environmental barriers to their community participation.…”

Strategies occupational therapists employ to facilitate work-related transitions for persons with hand injuries: a study protocol for a scoping review

“…The researchers will then critically analyse the sub-themes to identify the themes that will be discussed in the results section of the scoping review. The researchers will be cognisant of implications for practice and research when identifying themes 27. Before grouping the barriers experienced by clients with hand injuries by country classification, the barriers will be described.…”

Community participation of families of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in South Africa

“…Most of the models are attached to derogatory terms used to refer to persons with intellectual disability and hence worsen the stigma and discrimination. There is also a tendency by both the community members and service providers to misunderstand the distinction between intellectual disability and mental illness (Capri et al., 2018; Mkabile & Swartz, 2020), which may obscure the specific support needs of those who live with one or both impairments. Lack of knowledge and understanding of PIMD among health service providers also compounds the barriers faced by these families within the South African health system (Bornman & Alant, 2002).…”