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Factors Leading to Unequitable Resource Distribution to Persons With Disabilities: A Case of Monze Urban Constituency



Author(s)

Sharon Handongwe

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DOI:10.17265/2159-5542/2017.11.001

St. John of God-Holy Family Rehabilitation Centre, Monze, Zambia

Official statistics on disability in the world are estimated at 15-20%. Disability is still an important development issue with an increasing body of evidence showing that persons with disabilities experience worse socioeconomic outcomes and poverty than persons without disabilities. In Zambia, there has not been much information on finding out why persons with disabilities have not been able to access services despite the provisions available through policies and Legislation. This study therefore examined the reasons why persons with disabilities have not been able to access these services. It looked at the three themantic areas being:

(1) Resource Distribution among persons with Disabilities;

(2) Statutory Instruments on Disability; and

(3) Sustainability.

Taking Monze constituency as a case study, the variables were measured and tested using the mixed methods of interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Analysis of the data collected from a sample of 100 respondents shows a strong link between community willingness to help and the individual effort to access to resources. While government may be seen as a service provider, 70% of the respondents recognize cultural barriers and lack of information on statutory instruments and most interestingly human rights. The study concludes that Disability as a complex and context –specific phenomenon is always determined from the interaction between characteristics of the person and characteristics of the overall context in which the person lives. It is notable from the findings in this research that the community, service providers, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) agree that there is unequal Resource distribution among persons with disabilities. While the barriers to access to services have been identified as highlighted in this paper the major barriers are:

(1) Lack of information on Human Rights at 40%;

(2) And lack of understanding of Instruments aligned to disability; and

(3) Cultural barriers at 40%.

disability, accessibility, resources, equitable, community