African Journal of Disability最新文献

{"title":"Decodification for dyslexia and broader reading difficulties.","authors":"Larry E Onokpite","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.2087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v15i0.2087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dyslexia is often addressed through specialised intervention, yet growing scholarship in literacy and educational psychology also underscores the importance of contextualised and meaningful literacy experiences for students with reading difficulties. In this article, I argue the relevance of Paulo Freire's concept of decodification for reading instruction for students with dyslexia and broader reading difficulties. Drawing on the literature on dyslexia, background knowledge, culturally relevant text selection and experiences of emergent bilingual learners, I argue that decodified texts may support engagement, meaning-making, vocabulary integration, inferential reasoning and retention. The discussion extends the framework beyond dyslexia to other reading difficulties and illustrates its instructional relevance through three practice-oriented suggestions: recognising the student's context, talking with the student and evaluating current texts.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>A pedagogical example further shows how decodification may inform text selection and assessment within existing reading instruction, rather than constitute a new intervention. Overall, in this article, I position decodification as a literature-grounded and practice-relevant framework for rethinking reading instruction in ways that better reflect students' lived realities.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"2087"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13636434/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149116242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond economic outcomes: Exploring the social contributions of skills training for persons with disabilities in South Africa.","authors":"Johannes A Olivier-Booysen, Maximus M Sefotho","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.2072","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.2072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Persons with disabilities experience significant economic exclusion in South Africa. While vocational training has often been viewed through a narrow economic lens, its broader social contributions remained under-researched.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study examined the social contributions of skills training for persons with disabilities, with specific attention to empowerment, inclusion and well-being.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A qualitative multiple-case study design was employed. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews, photovoice, document analysis and field notes with eight participants across three South African provinces.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Training contributed to psychological empowerment, increased independence and improved quality of life. Participants reported enhanced self-worth and a stronger sense of purpose. However, persistent structural and attitudinal barriers continued to constrain full social and economic participation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Skills training functioned as a catalyst for personal transformation and social belonging. Nevertheless, translating acquired skills into sustained participation required addressing broader environmental constraints and gaps in policy implementation.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study extended disability scholarship by foregrounding the holistic, non-economic value of training interventions in fostering dignity, agency and social inclusion among persons with disabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"2072"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13543134/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148897970","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Zimbabwean youth with disabilities in Technical Vocational Education and Training: An institutional ethnography.","authors":"Mahara Goteka, Nyaradzai E Munambah, Lana van Niekerk, Lieketseng Ned","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.2030","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.2030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>People with disabilities remain under-represented in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), despite global and regional policies promoting their inclusion.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study examined the barriers and facilitators to the inclusion of youth with disabilities in Zimbabwe's TVET programmes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Situated in a critical qualitative paradigm, we utilised an institutional ethnographic (IE) design to explore how youth with disabilities experienced inclusive TVET. Data were generated through observations and semi-structured interviews with 11 youth with disabilities and two principals at inclusive centres. We used IE and the Listening Guide to map how institutional policies, practices and social norms coordinate learners' participation and lived experiences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participation in TVET was influenced by intersecting institutional and social factors. Facilitators encompassed positive instructor conduct, inclusive pedagogy, robust family and community support, favourable societal attitudes and accessible infrastructure. Conversely, participation was hindered by limited government support, caregiver fatigue, families' low socioeconomic status, disability type, literacy requirements, inaccessible infrastructure, long distances and conflicts between social norms and institutional rules.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Achieving inclusive TVET in Zimbabwe requires aligning instructor capacity, accessible foundational education and sustainable government funding to mitigate families' weak socioeconomic status.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Beyond identifying barriers and facilitators, this study offers a novel methodological contribution, unravelling the invisible, text-mediated forces that coordinate learners with disabilities' experiences across pre-enrolment, training and post-training work transitions. It provides practitioners and policymakers in low-resource settings with a user-focused mapping of how institutional mechanisms can be reconfigured to foster authentic inclusion.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"2030"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13543138/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148897973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Barriers and enablers to return to work after stroke in Maputo, Mozambique: A qualitative study.","authors":"Levy M M F Pinto","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.2077","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.2077","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stroke frequently results in reduced work participation or permanent withdrawal from work. In low- and middle-income countries like Mozambique, return to work is influenced by limited rehabilitation services, socioeconomic challenges and workplace factors. Little is known about stroke survivors' experiences of these barriers and enablers in Mozambique.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To explore stroke survivors' perceptions of barriers and enablers influencing return to work in Maputo, Mozambique.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 18 purposively selected stroke survivors attending outpatient rehabilitation services at Maputo Central Hospital. Interviews explored participants' experiences of returning to work after stroke and were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings were interpreted using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings were organised according to the ICF framework. Barriers to return to work included impairments in body functions and structures (motor deficits, fatigue and cognitive difficulties), limitations in activities, restrictions in work participation and environmental factors such as limited vocational rehabilitation, inaccessible transport, workplace discrimination and inadequate employer support. Key enablers included functional gains through rehabilitation, family and social support, workplace accommodations and strong personal motivation to resume employment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Return to work after stroke is a multidimensional process shaped by interaction between body functions and structures, activities and participation, environmental and personal factors. Addressing these factors through comprehensive rehabilitation, vocational support, workplace accommodations and coordinated health and employment policies may improve sustainable work reintegration for stroke survivors in Mozambique.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study highlights context-specific barriers and enablers to return to work after stroke in Mozambique, informing rehabilitation practice and disability-inclusive employment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"2077"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13543116/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148897993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Leisure programme trends and shifts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic for adults with disabilities in the City of Cape Town municipality townships, South Africa.","authors":"Vhulenda Mukwevho, Makhaya J Malema, Zeenat Yassin-Burns","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1895","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1895","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought significant disruptions to people's lives and livelihoods. These disruptions led to changes in people's mobility, leisure choices and preferences. The need to understand the shifts and emerging trends in leisure programmes for people with disabilities is particularly important in South Africa, where lockdown measures were considered among the strictest and most restrictive.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The current study aimed to explore and describe the trends and shifts in leisure programmes for people with disabilities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the Western Cape.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The study adopted a descriptive qualitative research approach and utilised semi-structured, open-ended interviews with 12 adults with disabilities. Data were collected until saturation was achieved, and thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. In accordance with ethics standards, approval was obtained from the University of the Western Cape's Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The key findings revealed five main themes that highlight the disparities experienced by people with disabilities. There was a clear indication that people with disabilities long for leisure participation; however, major barriers need to be broken to ensure smooth participation. People with disabilities still have a strong desire to be involved in leisure programmes, despite being excluded from mainstream activities in their communities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, there is a need for united efforts to ensure that resources are allocated properly, especially during pandemics, given the unique circumstances of people with disabilities.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The present study contributes to the literature by emphasising the importance of advocacy for people with disabilities, especially in unprecedented times.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1895"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13543141/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148898040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Navigating barriers and enablers to academic success for students with disabilities at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia: A participatory action research approach.","authors":"Molalign B Adugna, Tadesse A Tedla, Mustofa W Jemal, Getachew G Tadese, Bilen M Araya, Missaye M Mengistie, Biset Y Abera, Tibebu Guadie, Roza A Abate, Yitayal A Mengistu, Hiwot A Mekuanint, Selamawit Kassa, Angela Coderre-Ball, Madison Robertson, Rylan Egan","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1975","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1975","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Ethiopia, 17.6% of the population has disabilities. Research has largely overlooked students with disabilities (SWDs), focusing instead on caregivers, teachers and officials.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The current study sought to include SWD voices by examining their experiences and identifying barriers and enablers to education in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A participatory action research approach with a critical theory lens, engaging SWDs in two phases was carried out. In phase one, student researchers received training through collaboratively developed modules on research concepts, questions, tools and data analysis. Student researchers identified, co-created, refined and finalised the study methods. In phase two, student researchers conducted 18 interviews and two focus group discussions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results indicated that physical, sensory and financial inaccessibility negatively influenced the social lives of SWDs, reinforced stigmatising societal perspectives and disadvantaged them compared to their peers without disabilities. Stigma led to feelings of hopelessness and social exclusion. However, having a supportive ('threshold') person or organisation, individual grit, love and trust in education and a desire to defy critics (i.e. positive revenge) contributed to student success.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Early interventions are vital for supporting SWDs in engaging with education. A dedicated advocate can significantly impact their success.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study contributes to disability studies and inclusive policy by centring the voices of SWDs in Ethiopia, highlighting their lived experiences. It offers practical insights into how systemic stigma, inadequate infrastructure and limited psychosocial support hinder inclusion, while support systems, personal resilience and early interventions enhance educational success.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1975"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13543139/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148897975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Social exchange theory tenets and the employment of persons with disabilities in the Western Cape, South Africa.","authors":"Warren P Charles, Tendency Beretu","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1976","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1976","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Employment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in South Africa's public sector remains persistently low despite progressive legislative frameworks. This reflects enduring structural, organisational and attitudinal barriers that limit meaningful inclusion, particularly at a provincial level. Compliance-driven approaches have proven insufficient in addressing the organisational dynamics shaping inclusion. This study is grounded in the social model of disability and applies social exchange theory (SET) to examine how perceptions of costs, benefits and reciprocity influence employment decisions.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study applied SET to: (1) understand perceived costs/benefits of employing PWDs; (2) explore the role of social structures/actors; (3) propose SET-informed strategies to enhance equity.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A qualitative study, situated within the transformative paradigm and using a case study design, was conducted in the Western Cape provincial public service. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 senior officials and analysed thematically using key SET principles.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three interrelated themes emerged: the importance of enabling structures and actors, the role of reinforcement in sustaining inclusive practices, and the significance of reciprocal professional relationships. Findings indicate that inclusion is constrained by perceived costs and limited institutional support, but can be strengthened through structural investment, incentive mechanisms and relational engagement.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Social exchange theory provides a robust framework for reconceptualising PWD employment as a mutually beneficial social exchange, guiding more sustainable, relational inclusion strategies.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study advances SET as a practical lens for designing interventions that address both structural and relational barriers to disability inclusion.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1976"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13443599/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148686298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The barriers to access healthcare services by people with disabilities: Policymakers' perspectives.","authors":"Hileni N Niikondo, Sipho W Mkhize","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1790","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1790","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Accessibility to healthcare is a fundamental human right aimed at facilitating better health outcomes for people with disabilities. However, the persistent gap between policy intents and actual implementation results in poorer health outcomes for people with disabilities, which is against universal health coverage.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explored policymakers' perspectives on barriers to accessibility to healthcare services for people with disabilities.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Through purposive sampling, qualitative, descriptive, exploratory research was conducted among five policymakers in a rural constituency. Each participant signed an informed consent form. The face-to-face interview lasted 50-60 min and used validated semi-structured questions, audio recordings, and memos to capture data. Manual coding, employing an inductive approach and categorisation, was conducted, resulting in the formulation of themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two main themes emerged: Systemic and structural challenges to inclusive healthcare, and training and attitudinal barriers to inclusive healthcare, highlighting transport and infrastructure barriers, as well as insufficient budget because of ineffective health policy implementation. A lack of training and discrimination were key issues reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlighted key obstacles related to weak policy enforcement, inadequate infrastructure, stigma, and funding issues, which impede accessibility to health services for people with disabilities in Namibia.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Understanding how policies are translated into practice is crucial for closing implementation gaps and enhancing healthcare access for people with disabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1790"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13347923/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Albinism and human rights: From marginalisation to global advocacy.","authors":"Tameshnie Deane","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1874","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1874","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Persons with albinism (PWAs) face significant biological, social and structural challenges, particularly in Africa, where entrenched cultural myths and systemic discrimination expose them to violence, stigma and exclusion. Despite increasing recognition of albinism as a disability under international human rights frameworks, PWAs remain marginalised across multiple domains.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study examines the historical and contemporary experiences of PWAs, tracing the trajectory from marginalisation to advocacy. It seeks to contextualise persistent discrimination, analyse the emergence of rights-based movements and identify effective strategies for inclusion and protection.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A qualitative, desktop-based review of secondary sources was conducted, drawing on academic literature, historical texts, human rights reports and case studies. A thematic analysis was applied to explore intersections between historical exclusion, cultural beliefs and contemporary advocacy efforts.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings reveal that while albinism has long been associated with stigma and violence, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, recent decades have seen a rise in global and regional advocacy movements. These initiatives, often led by PWAs and civil society organisations, have reframed albinism as a disability and human rights issue, advancing policy reforms, awareness campaigns and protective interventions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The trajectory from marginalisation to advocacy underscores both the persistence of systemic barriers and the transformative potential of rights-based mobilisation. Effective responses require multisectoral collaboration, stronger legal protections, inclusive social policies and the amplification of the voices of PWAs.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This article integrates historical, biomedical and socio-legal perspectives to frame albinism as a disability and human rights issue, foregrounding advocacy, legal protection, and PWA voices.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1874"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13347922/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disability, spirituality and belonging in Africa: An intersectional and decolonial perspective.","authors":"Chioma Ohajunwa, Adele Ebrahim, Nafisa Mayat","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1796","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1796","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1796"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13347781/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}