Key considerations for an inclusive framework for youth with disabilities in post-apartheid South Africa

Abstract

he loss or elimination of opportunities to take part in the life of the community, equitably with others, which is encountered by persons having physical, sensory, psychological, developmental, learning, neurological or other impairments, which may be permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, thereby causing activity limitations and participation restrictions within the mainstream society. (Stats SA 2011:13) The given definition clearly heralds the need to address this loss of opportunities for people with disabilities (PWDs). Background:The South African Constitution asserts that persons with disabilities must have equal access to opportunities in society; however, the realisation of this mandate has remained a challenge. There is a need to create contextually relevant, inclusive structures that support equal access to opportunities for persons with disabilities in society.Objectives: This article reflects on and highlights key considerations for an inclusive framework that facilitates access to opportunities for youth with disabilities in South Africa, which emanated from a study that explored how ongoing interaction with the performing arts can facilitate social and economic inclusion of youths with disabilities. Method:The study adopted a qualitative research approach, using critical ethnography. Primary data were obtained from three focus groups with a total of 20 youth with disabilities who have attended performance events, as well as an in-depth interview with a disabled performer. Results:The facilitation of access to equal opportunities for youth with disabilities must occur at a multidimensional level, involving both personal and systemic changes and levels of support. Complex barriers linked to the apartheid legacy also exist, some of which include access to resources and reduced self-determination, whilst positive factors such as internal resilience and skills development function as promising predictors of inclusion. Conclusion:Contextually relevant, disability-inclusive structures in South Africa must confront and address how youths with disabilities are uniquely impacted in present times by South Africa's history. Contribution:The voices of youths with disabilities make a key contribution as their experiences must inform these inclusive structures which have the potential to enhance access to equal opportunities for them at both personal and systemic levels.

Making public service delivery more accessible to people with disabilities: The South African government narrative

“…Disabled people should also take part in governance of various sectors, not limited to the ones that deal with service delivery. During the South African apartheid era, disabled people were discriminated based on their conditions, which purposively excluded them from employment opportunities in various sectors (Roux, 2022). This action was wrong to disabled people as it violated some of their human rights.…”

Exploring Barriers to Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Adolescents and Young People with Physical Disabilities in South Africa

“…In South Africa, a country characterized by a burden of diseases [26,27], AYPWDs remain marginalized in various dimensions of their lives and are less likely to receive sexual and reproductive healthcare. This is despite the country having a progressive and liberal sexual and reproductive health policy framework, with the constitution being clear on equal access to services and opportunities [28,29]. South Africa has made efforts to create avenues to enhance the use of local resources and facilitate inclusive opportunities for AYPWDs [28,30].…”

“…This is despite the country having a progressive and liberal sexual and reproductive health policy framework, with the constitution being clear on equal access to services and opportunities [28,29]. South Africa has made efforts to create avenues to enhance the use of local resources and facilitate inclusive opportunities for AYPWDs [28,30]. However, several studies in the country have focused on a general population of people with disabilities and reported barriers to SRHSs, such as access, sexual coercion, violence, and ridiculing attitudes from HCWs [31][32][33][34].…”

“…However, several studies in the country have focused on a general population of people with disabilities and reported barriers to SRHSs, such as access, sexual coercion, violence, and ridiculing attitudes from HCWs [31][32][33][34]. Other related studies have reported findings on an increased risk of exposure to HIV, a lack access to HIV prevention, treatment care, and support, including sexual education [9,28,30,32,[35][36][37].…”