Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers to the participation of disabled persons in the development of Mamfe central, in some selected areas of Mamfe central.  To conduct the study, both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. The participants of the study were 70 participants, 50 persons with disability and 20 physically abled persons. In the selection of the sample population, random sampling was used.

The main instruments of data collection were questionnaires and interviews. The data was analyzed using percentages. The findings of the study revealed that majority of persons with disability are not taking part in development activities but the few who are participating, hold important positions as seen in the research. However most of them want to start participating in development activities, if they would have the opportunities.

The most identified barrier to the participation of disabled persons in development are marginalization, discrimination and violation by most family members. Finally the study suggests points to solve problems for participation of persons with disability in Mamfe central, like promoting the spirit of brotherhood in Mamfe central, easily accessible roads to people with disability, sensitization and integration of disabled persons in the society, so as to achieve “a society for all”.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background to the Study:

One billion people, or 15 percent of the world’s population, experience some form of disability, and disability prevalence is higher for developing countries (approximately 80%) and have limited or no access to services they need. One-fifth of the estimated global total, or between 110 million and 190 million people, experience significant disabilities (World Bank, 2015).

One of every 10 people in the world has a disability that is 650 million worldwide with approximately 470 million who are of working age. While many are successfully employed and fully integrated into society, as a group, persons with disabilities often face disproportionate poverty and unemployment. Their social exclusion from the workplace deprives societies of an estimated US$ 1.37 to 1.94 trillion in annual loss in GDP (Robert L., 2000). Thus, providing decent work for people with disabilities makes social as well as economic sense.

In the world of work, persons with disabilities experience common patterns of discrimination such as high unemployment rates, prejudice about their productivity and lack of access to the workplace environment. They are often relegated to low-level and low-paid jobs with little social and legal security, or segregated from the mainstream labour market. Many are underemployed. This affects their self-confidence. Many become discouraged and drop out. Yet experience shows that when they find jobs suited to their skills, abilities and interests, they can make significant contributions in the workplace (ILO, 2007).

–           In the European Union (EU) in 2003, 40 per cent of disabled people of working age were employed compared to 64.2 per cent of persons without a disability. What is more, 52 per cent of EU working age disabled persons are economically inactive, compared to 28 per cent of persons without disability.

–           Among persons with disabilities, men are almost twice as likely to have jobs as women.

–           Unemployment rates vary between types of disability, with the highest among those with a mental illness. In the United Kingdom, an estimated 75 per cent of those of working age with mental illness are unemployed. In Switzerland, mental illness has become the single most important reason for claiming disability benefits, accounting for over 40 per cent of the total.

According to the African studies center Leiden (2008), the vast majority of Africans with disabilities are excluded from schools and opportunities for work, virtually guaranteeing that they live as the poorest of the poor. School enrolment for the disabled is estimated at no more than 5-10 percent and as many as 70-80 percent of working age people with disabilities are unemployed. The social stigma associated with disability are marginalization and isolation, often leading to begging as the sole means of survival.

The African Union, African governments and NGOs have taken steps to address the disability problem in Africa. In 1988, the African Rehabilitation Institute (ARI) was established in Harare. This Specialized Agency of the AU reports to the political organs of the AU on disability issues and coordinates all matters relating to disability in Africa. Pressures exerted by disabled person’s organizations contributed to the proclamation of the African Decade of Disabled Persons (2000-2009) at the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, meeting at Lomé in July 2000.

The Cameroonian Government passed the first PWDs Act In 1983. This Act has been follow by Decree of 1990 and in 2011 by the Act on the Protection and Promotion of the Disabled which foresees a punishment for all discriminating employers (Simo F. A., 2012). She added that according to this law, disability is a limitation of opportunities for full participation of a person with impairment in an activity in a given environment. However, this Act has no provisions on the non-discrimination in the built environment and it removes the quota imposed by the 1990 decree making it difficult to demonstrate any deviations of employers. The question is to know whether PWDs are participating in the development of Mamfe central or they are being neglected.

1.1 Problem Statement

In Cameroon, the Ministry of Social Affairs has been in charge of persons living with disabilities (PLWDS), by providing security, available and accessible information services like the social centers and to ensure the safety of PLWDS in Cameroon. Unfortunately this effort has not been enough to successfully enhance the well-being of PLWDS. The condition of living and live experiences of persons living with disabilities in Cameroon and Mamfe Central in particular is not adequate.

And despite emphasis laid by organizations like United Nations Organization, African Charter on Peace and People’s Rights, Human Rights Commissions, International Non-Governmental Organizations, on the notion of full participation in development activities such as on decision making, social conferences, PLWD still remain passive participant in development. And as a result, most PLWDS are sometimes regarded as beggars in the streets and abandoned by some family members and friends, thus have no access to development.

People with disabilities have the same health needs as non-disabled people for immunization, cancer screening and other illnesses. They also may experience a narrower margin of health, both because of poverty and social exclusion, and also because they may be vulnerable to secondary conditions, such as pressure sores or urinary tract infections.

Evidence suggests that people with disabilities face barriers in accessing the health and rehabilitation services they need in many settings. A country’s economic, legislative, physical, and social environment may create or maintain barriers to the participation of people with disabilities in economic, civic, and social life. Is the participation of PLWD in development hindered because of stigmatization? Does the passive response on the participation of PLWD related to their looks? Or are PLWD incompetent to take part in development activities? This research seeks to answer all these question.

1.2 Study Objectives

1.2.1 Main Objective:

The aim of this study is to investigate the barriers to the participation of disabled persons in the development of Mamfe Central Sub-Division.

1.2.2    Specific objectives:

1. To investigate the perception of PLWD by the physically abled.
2. To examine the role played by disabled persons in the development of Mamfe central.
3. Identify the barriers to the participation of PLWD in the Development of Mamfe central.

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