Community based Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities in Barguna District, Bangladesh

Background: Disable Development and Educational Foundation (DDEF) is a national level level disability focused organization working to promote well-being, human rights and rehabilitation of children, orphans and persons with disabilities in Pathargata Upazila, Barguna district, Bangladesh. The region is economically poor and majority of the population depends on agriculture and fishing for their day to day living and survival. It is as well heavily affected by the climate change threats and natural disasters. As such, persons with disabilities in this regions are lacking necessary better healthcare services, reasonable accommodation and rehabilitation supports. Considering such socio-economic scenario has conducted a research to identify the needs and impacts a rehabilitation centre will play in the lives of persons with disabilities in the community.

Methodology & data Collection: For data collection, DDEF followed a structured questionnaire and interviewed 50 individuals from diverse backgrounds including persons with disabilities, community leaders, local government representatives, government officials, policy makers, ngo officials, media representatives. Besides the structured interviews, focused group discussions also took place to collect relevant data. Relevant literatures have also been consulted by the researcher.

Results:

The field level data and information has been analyzed using the modern techniques. The research results reflect the need of a modern rehabilitation centre in the locality to cater to the needs of the persons with disabilities, orphans living in the Upazila. Among these marginalized populations 80

% PwDs do not have access to better healthcare services and rehabilitation facilities. Majority of the respondents mentioned that economic barriers are largely affecting them to lead a decent life fulfilling their fundamental rights.