The Challenges of Persons with Disabilities in Participating in Educational, Economic and Social Activities in South Wollo and Dessie City, North East Ethiopia

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the challenges of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in participating in educational, economic and social activities. To achieve the objective of the study, 335 participants were randomly selected. The data were collected through questionnaire and interview. The quantitative data collected using questionnaire were analyzed using frequency, percentage and t-test whereas qualitative data gathered through interview were analyzed through thematic analysis. The result of the study indicated that the majority of the participants were illiterate and completed their primary level of education; they had low average monthly income; and they had limited participation in social activities. This result is attributed to negative attitudes of the community, inaccessibility of services due to unfriendly physical environment, lack of facilities and assistive devices and lack of capital. Besides, the study found that there were no statistically significant mean differences between male and female participants in their participation in educational, economic and social activities. Moreover, the result of the study indicated that majority of people with disability in the study areas were marginalized and excluded from educational, economic and social activities. As result, stakeholders should work cooperatively to change the negative attitude of the society towards persons with disabilities to enhance their participation in different aspects of life and activities