Browsing by Author "Hairwadzi, Francisca"
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- ItemLived experiences with regards to social participation for persons with disabilities living in a residential facility in Cape Town(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Hairwadzi, Francisca; Geiger, Martha; Tshabalala, Khaya; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies.ENGLISH SUMMARY : The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences with regards to social participation of persons with disabilities living in a residential facility in Cape Town. Objectives: The challenges experienced regarding social participation and facilitators of social participation experienced by the participants were identified using a qualitative research method. Method: The methodology was phenomenological where the eight (8) participants with disabilities, represented themselves in the exploration of their lived experiences in the residential facilities from a subjective paradigm. Telephone interviews were used in lieu of face-to-face interviews which were not possible due to COVID-19 related restrictions. Thematic analysis was implemented. Findings: Outcomes from this study showed how limitations in executing daily activities affected their social participation leading to passive leisure like reading, watching television and listening to music. Residential homes have proven to be a reality for persons with disabilities due to lack of finances and inaccessible family home environments. Being wheelchair-dependent, with less mobility and facing the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, social media and online communication filled in the gaps of isolation for some residents. Environments can limit the independence of persons with disabilities but with assistive products designed for wheelchair users, residents living in residential homes can live more fulfilling lives and engage more socially. Conclusion: While acknowledging limitation of findings from this “2 residences” focused study, conclusions drawn from its findings indicate that; inaccessibility of family homes and need for full time care and support make residential homes a practical alternative for persons with disabilities. The move from family home environment to the residential facility tends to limit participation of persons with disabilities in their families and community at large. Further investigation involving more residential institutions is needed to investigate social participation of persons with disabilities in order to establish relevant ways in which government, professionals and non-government organizations can work together with persons with disabilities in residential homes to promote social participation.