A qualitative study of the relationship between disability, access and service provisions on the quality of life of the disabled in the Greater Durban Metropolitan Area.

Abstract

Disabled people live in a complex world encompassing the same interests and desires that motivate the balance of the earth's population. We have always known this, but as is often the case, society often plans without considering the needs of disabled people. Progress toward the acceptance of disabled persons as total human beings has not come about because equality is not a reality for disabled people. A point of departure for this research is therefore that disablement is a relation to the surrounding world, not a static phenomenon. It should perhaps be emphasized that this “relation” applies not only to the physical but also social environment. It is hoped that this study will demonstrate the inequalities that disabled people have to contend with, with reference to services such as housing, transportation, education, employment and recreational opportunities. The attitudes, value judgments and expectations of society and the disabled themselves contribute to the creation or breakdown of barriers to full participation and equality. It is recommended that a great deal more be done to achieve the equality that disabled individuals so rightly deserve especially in regard to the promotion of self-dependent life leading to enhanced quality of living.