Social Inclusion of Disabled Persons: Role of a Professional Social Worker in Pakistan

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the role of professional social workers in the social inclusion of disabled persons in Pakistan. This paper highlights the present scenario of social work practice with the disabled community and how professional social workers are bringing social inclusion of disabled persons by working effectively in the field. The data for this study was collected through qualitative approach. The semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data through in-depth interviews from thirteen professional social workers who are working for the social inclusion of persons with disabilities in Pakistani community. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The data revealed that social workers have enough abilities to create a bridge between disabled persons with their community. There are different sources present in the community which can be utilized by professional social workers to enable disabled persons to live a normal life. Unawareness of common people and government towards the roles of social workers has been observed in this study. Enhancement and encouragement of social work practice in the field of disability is particularly needed.

Exploring the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for Quality Inclusion of Special Needs in Pakistan: Needs, Policies, and Practice

“…As of 2019, the Punjabi government's Department of School Education has a Province Inclusive Education Strategy (Manzoor, Hameed, & Nabeel, 2016). Children with impairments in Punjab are given free pick-up, free uniforms, stipends, literature in Braille, recreational opportunities, and physical instruction through the special education department (Hassan, Khalid, Arshad, & Qursam, 2020). For students with disabilities to be able to attend regular schools, the provincial government has also implemented the Punjab Inclusive Education Program in two areas of the state.…”