Social inclusion and physical disability - Experiences of people with physical disabilities in Kenya

Abstract

Background/ Aim: Despite the re-affirmation of fundamental human rights and fundamental freedoms in Convention on Rights of the Persons with Disabilities (CPRD), persons with disabilities in low-income countries, still face discrimination, inaccessible public facilities, unemployment, isolation, and high rates of poverty. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of people with physical disabilities concerning involvement in community activities, physical accessibility to public locations, experiences on public transport and interaction with family members and peers. Methodology: A qualitative research approach involving semi-structured in-depth interviews was adopted. Seven informants with physical disabilities in one of the Counties in Kenya took part in this study. The data collected was transcribed and analysed using systematic text condensation (STC). NVIvo 11.4.3 software was used to aid the analysis process. The Norwegian Centre for Research Data (NSD) and the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) in Kenya ethically approved this study. Findings: Six central themes emerged from the data analysis; employment status, experiences in accessing education, social events concerning religious centres, socialisation with other people, future dreams and physical accessibility. Findings suggested experiences of discrimination and stigma in labour market, education sector, interaction with other people, accessing public facilities and in using public transport system. In other incidences, findings indicated experiences of acceptance when interacting with other people and some accessible public facilities. Conclusion: This study found both challenging and appeasing experiences in daily lives of people with disabilities. Responses from informants suggested that improving access to public locations and implementing disability policies could help enhance social inclusion of people with physical disabilities.