Factors influencing provision of community-based rehabilitation services to children with physical disabilities in isiolo north constituency, isiolo county, kenya.

ABSTRACT 

Disability is not inability! Globally, children with physical disabilities should receive psychological, medical, and educational and social services like any other „normal‟ children. A descriptive survey design was used which explored an in-depth and holistic understanding of social life. Both qualitative and quantitative measures were used to analyse the data. Purposive sampling was used to select 2 centres, 2 administrators, 12 personnel, 12 teachers, 18 parents and 30 children with physical disabilities. Piloting of the instruments was administered to children with disabilities at Maua Methodist CBR Centre which offers services to children with Physical Disabilities. A quantitative approach was employed based on questionnaires containing closed-ended questions, which were administered on personnel, support staff and children with physical disabilities. A qualitative approach was employed based on a semi-structured interview schedule containing open-ended questions which were conducted on administrators and parents of the children with physical disabilities in the centres. An observation checklist was used to collect information about activities performed by the children with physical disabilities and facilities and equipment used in the CBR centres. The data collected was coded and analysed manually. The codes were fed into a computer and analysed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) procedure to yield descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages hence presented in tables, histograms and figures. The study was based on „Capability Theory‟ of Amartya Sen derived from the field of microeconomics which sought to enhance social welfare by expanding the actual freedom and capabilities of persons with physical disability. The main findings are that with provision of appropriate and adequate provision of vocational training skills, medical services, and educational programmes to children with physical disabilities they will lead an independent life and become self-reliant. The study recommended the administrators of the two CBR centres to work hand in hand with the Ministry of Health to ensure that medical services are provided and to be consulting the Ministry of Education to be advised on relevant curriculum to be used. Finally, the government should see the need to assist the community-based rehabilitation centres either financially or materially so that the CBR centres can improve their services.