Participation of Locomotor Disabled in the Mainstream: A Professional Social Work Framework

Abstract

Persons with disability repeatedly report that inclusion is integral to a life that is well lived. Notions of inclusion often draw on understanding of exclusion and the need to address the barriers to inclusion. Many models of disability with reference to interventions that improve their dignity and standard of life varies from author to author or organization to organization. The foremost one is looking inclusion in terms of a rights based framework. This paves way for access to freedom, pursue priorities and participate in community activities. Civil, political and social rights, as a citizen, are to be enjoyed by a disabled person too. In Indian context, people with disabilities face many barriers in order to participate in all aspects of society. Persons with Disabilities do not enjoy access to society on an equal basis with others, including transportation, employment, education, justice and political participation. In this respect, the present research is proposed to evaluate the social work interventions that are currently underway in a proper perspective and design effective strategies concomitant with the desired goals for the betterment of the disabled. By conducting an intensive survey of 373 locomotor disabled in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, the required information and data were collected and analysed by using a Structural Equation Model (SEM). The results revealed that the route to inclusion of locomotor disabled has to pass through four stages, to ensure their presence in the mainstream.