African Journal of Disability最新文献

{"title":"Pesantren and inclusion: Bridging religion and disability in Islamic education in Indonesia.","authors":"Nurul H Rofiah, Norimune Kawai, Dara Sudiraharja","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1741","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1741","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1741"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12505423/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145259648","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":"Factors associated with return to work among disability claimants with depression.","authors":"Anisha Maharaj, Munira Hoosain, Carl Lombard, Lana van Niekerk","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1737","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1737","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Depression is a significant contributor to the burden of disease globally and is often associated with reduced work productivity and permanent disability.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to identify factors associated with return to work among disability claimants with depression at one insurer in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 514 disability claims. Univariate tests for association (Chi-square and Fisher) were performed to test the significance of the association between the primary outcome (disability benefit terminated as a result of return to work) and demographic and workplace factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority of disability claimants were women (71.6%). Women and claimants under the age of 60 years at the time of benefit termination had a high probability of returning to work, 80% and 99% respectively. Of the 39% of claimants who had a high level of workplace support during the disability process, 95% also returned to work. Nearly half (48%) of the disability claimants returned to work in less than 6 months, while most of those with a duration of disability longer than 24 months did not return to work (79%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Female gender, lower age (under 60 years), high workplace support and shorter duration of disability were all positively associated with return to work for disability claimants with depression.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provides insights into factors associated with successful return to work for disability claimants with depression, which can guide case management and rehabilitation for this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1737"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12505416/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145259673","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":"Disciplinary issues in special education: Teachers' experiences and attribution.","authors":"Mmanako F Mokano, Motsekiso C Letuma","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1655","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1655","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Special education facilities are designed to support learners with special needs. These efforts are vital for ensuring inclusive, equitable education and promoting lifelong learning, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals. However, a positive learning environment, including addressing disciplinary issues, is necessary for learning.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explored the disciplinary issues that teachers experience in special schools and the contributing factors.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The study adopted an interpretive paradigm and employed a qualitative methodology using a phenomenological design. It was grounded on Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six special school teachers from two purposely selected secondary special schools and the data were analysed using inductive content analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Teachers in special schools attributed learner indiscipline to disengagement, absenteeism, and bullying. These behaviours were linked to a variety of factors such as curriculum pressure, teacher leniency, family dynamics, communication barriers, social grant support, racial influences, peer influence and disability-related behaviour.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A holistic approach that includes enhancing teacher training to equip educators with effective classroom management strategies and strengthening home-school partnerships through regular communication and parenting workshops to support family dynamics and address behavioural concerns is recommended. Moreover, training for adapting the curriculum to be more inclusive and diverse learning, as well as establishing peer mentoring programmes to encourage positive behaviour and reduce bullying through social support, are recommended.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study contributes to the knowledge surrounding indiscipline in special schools and opens further options for contribution to measures that could be implemented.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1655"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12505463/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145259598","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":"Workplace narratives of South African employees with multiple sclerosis.","authors":"Armand Bam, Marco Bekker, Linda Ronnie","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1725","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1725","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Workplace inclusion for employees with chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) remains a challenge because of the episodic and invisible nature of symptoms, leading to stigma, disclosure dilemmas and inadequate accommodations. Traditional approaches to disability inclusion often fail to address the lived realities of employees with MS, necessitating a deeper exploration of how individuals and organisations construct meaning around disability and inclusion.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explores how employees with MS experience workplace inclusion, self-management and disclosure drawing on sensemaking theory and the Social Model of Disability. The study also employs a reflexive approach, centring the voices of employees to generate actionable insights for employers and disability advocates.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>An exploratory qualitative research design was adopted involving semi-structured interviews with 13 employees diagnosed with MS in South Africa. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns related to workplace adaptability, disclosure and support structures. Researcher reflexivity was incorporated to acknowledge positionality and enhance the study's depth.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Workplace adaptability, including flexible work arrangements and empathetic leadership, play a critical role in ensuring inclusion for individuals with MS in the work environment. However, disclosure remains a complex decision influenced by stigma and workplace culture. Psychological safety and proactive organisational sensemaking significantly impact employees' experiences.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>For meaningful workplace inclusion, organisations must move beyond compliance-driven policies and foster an environment where employees with MS feel valued and supported.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>By integrating reflexivity, sensemaking theory and the Social Model of Disability, this study offers valuable contributions to the discourse on disability inclusion.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1725"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12505428/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145259645","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 potential and challenges of an online Bible study group for persons with disabilities.","authors":"Talia Opperman, Michelle Botha","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1721","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1721","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Research shows that persons with disabilities can derive significant benefits from participating in religious communities and activities. However, they often face significant physical and attitudinal barriers to participation. The use of digital platforms for religious gatherings has increased since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and may hold potential to promote accessible religious participation.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explored the benefits and challenges of an online Bible study group for persons with disabilities hosted within a Christian Pentecostal congregation in Cape Town, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A phenomenological study design was adopted, and data were gathered from four participants using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Although some components of the online environment were found to be beneficial for participants' spiritual well-being, other components were shown to be challenging, such as technological barriers, a lack of direct physical interaction and feelings of isolation. The digital space provided only partial inclusion and does not represent a full solution to exclusionary religious spaces.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Church leadership must engage more rigorously with strategies of disability inclusion, which may include digital components.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This research contributes to the fields of disability studies, religious inclusion and digital engagement. Recommendations include the use of adaptable technologies, leadership training in disability inclusion within a religious space and developing more engaging platforms to foster inclusion within these religious spaces.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1721"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12505397/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145259654","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":"Bridging policy and practice: Adapted physical education for special needs learners in BRICS.","authors":"Charlene Engelbrecht, Dorita du Toit, Nico van der Merwe, Chanelle Kemp","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1626","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1626","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Adapted Physical Education (APE) focuses on tailoring school Physical Education (PE) to the needs of learners with special educational needs (LSEN), promoting their optimal physical and psychosocial development, which is also one of the priorities of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) organisation in addressing the health issues of its people. In view of limited available literature, more research is needed on the state and status of APE in BRICS.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore the current state and status of APE in the BRICS countries.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Employing the qualitative document analysis methodology, school curriculum documents and education policies in the BRICS countries were analysed inductively within an interpretivist perspective, based on the frameworks of Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory and the Cultural-Historical Activity Theory.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Although BRICS policies mandate the inclusion of LSEN in PE in mainstream and special schools, specific guidelines for adapting activities in PE could only be found in governmental documents of Russia, India and China. Teachers of LSEN are required to be qualified in special or inclusive education, but specialised undergraduate and professional APE teacher training is not equally available in all BRICS countries. Specific requirements regarding the assessment of LSEN within APE are also lacking.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>More comprehensive guidelines are needed regarding teaching strategies, curriculum content, assessment and professional development in APE to address challenges in APE implementation across BRICS countries.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Implementing the recommendations of this study would enhance the physical and psychosocial development of LSEN in BRICS countries.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1626"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12505402/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145259651","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":"Experience-based suggestions for improving accessibility of minibus taxis for wheelchair users.","authors":"Jerome P Fredericks, Surona Visagie, Lana van Niekerk","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1699","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1699","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Accessible transport is a prerequisite for the sustainable developmental goals (SDGs). Without transport, SDGs dependent on community mobility such as health and well-being, education, work and economic growth cannot be achieved.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Presenting experience-based suggestions offered by stakeholders to facilitate accessible minibus taxi services for wheelchair users in the peri-urban setting.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The study setting was Paarl-East, Western Cape province of South Africa. A cooperative inquiry methodology was used. Adult wheelchair users (<i>n</i> = 9) and their caregivers (<i>n</i> = 8), minibus taxi drivers (<i>n</i> = 7) and stakeholders (<i>n</i> = 4) involved in disability matters in the setting participated. Data were collected in 16 group sessions. Inductive thematic analysis was performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five themes emerged. Theme 1: The ideal communication platform; the need and purpose of databases of wheelchair users and minibus taxi drivers; the use of social media as a communication platform. Theme 2: Fair economical fares focus on service affordability and payment options. Theme 3: Facilitating ideal behaviour patterns discusses the development of mutual respect. Theme 4: Customised minibus taxis highlight the need for a fleet of minibus taxis with different specifications to address different wheelchair users' needs. Theme 5: Minibus taxi service delivery considerations describes practical strategies such as home pickups and drop-offs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Current suggestions for solutions need further refinement. Accountability and funding are underexplored.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Presenting experience-based suggestions by stakeholders on facilitating accessible minibus taxi services for wheelchair users.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1699"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12421451/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145041813","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":"Acceptability and perceived impact of a mental health and disability programme in Ghana.","authors":"Lionel Sakyi, Lyla Adwan-Kamara, Kenneth A Ae-Ngibise, Crick Lund","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1659","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1659","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ghana Somubi Dwumadie aimed to improve wellbeing of people with disabilities, including people with mental health conditions, through four pillars: strengthening policies and systems; scaling up integrated, accessible mental health services; reducing stigma and discrimination; and generating evidence to inform policy and practice. Despite these efforts, its implementation has not been comprehensively evaluated.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess the programme's acceptability and perceived impact from the perspective of key stakeholders, including government, civil society organisations, and grantees.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A process evaluation, guided by the programme's Theory of Change, involved in-depth interviews with 32 stakeholders from programme partners, civil society and government. Document reviews supplemented data collection, and thematic analysis identified key insights.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Stakeholders highlighted the programme's technical assistance as crucial for strengthening advocacy and policy leadership in mental health. The integration of mental health services into primary care and the involvement of traditional leaders to reduce stigma were noted successes. Challenges included funding instability, gaps between advocacy and service delivery and limited control over implementing key policy reforms.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Ghana Somubi Dwumadie made significant strides in disability inclusion and mental health care through its multi-sectoral, user-led approaches. Addressing challenges like sustainable funding and service delivery will be critical for ensuring lasting impact and scalability.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study underscores the impact of user-led, multi-sectoral approaches in reducing stigma, scaling services, and empowering people with disabilities in resource-limited settings, while addressing challenges and strategies for disability-inclusive programming.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1659"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12421564/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145041737","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":"Grade repetition among learners with and without disabilities in two provinces of South Africa.","authors":"Nicola Deghaye, Grace Leach","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1676","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1676","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>It is critical that disability-disaggregated indicators of educational outcomes are developed and monitored in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) to demonstrate whether progress is being made towards educational equality.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To design, test and analyse new indicators of grade progression for learners with disabilities relative to learners without disabilities in South Africa. To determine which indicators are the most appropriate for future monitoring.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We undertook the first-ever quantitative analysis of grade repetition and age-for-grade of learners with disabilities relative to learners without disabilities using student-level data collected in the new Education Management Information System (EMIS). Using a longitudinal student-level dataset extracted from EMIS, we conducted cohort analyses of grade progression from 2017 onwards, disaggregated by gender and disability category.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>On average, learners with disabilities experienced grade repetition more frequently than learners without disabilities and were older than their peers. Grade repetition rates decreased from 2017 to 2023 in mainstream schools in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province but increased in special schools. Comparatively, 54% of learners without disabilities who started Grade 1 in 2017 progressed to Grade 7 without repetition, versus 20% of learners with disabilities (Gauteng) and only 12% of learners with disabilities (KZN).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The high rates of grade repetition among learners with disabilities suggest that reasonable accommodations and curriculum differentiation have not been fully implemented in schools.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>There has been a substantial decline in reporting of learner disability status in Gauteng province since 2022 which warrants further investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1676"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12421544/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145041815","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":"Clinical and maternal factors associated with pain and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy.","authors":"Manel Abid, Roseline Galipeau, Mariem Gaddour, Sahbi Mtaoua, Rihab Moncer, Sonia Jemni","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1731","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1731","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cerebral palsy (CP) represents the most common and disabling motor disorder in childhood. It can lead to chronic pain and reduced quality of life (QOL). These challenges can also affect mothers, who are typically the primary caregivers, contributing to physical and psychosocial strain.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explored the associations between motor impairment, chronic pain, and QOL in children with CP, as well as maternal stress and pain intensity, and examined their mediating roles.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted with 132 mother-child dyads in Tunisia. Children were aged 4 to 12 years. The Gross Motor Function Classification System, the Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Visual Analogue Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale were used to assess motor impairment, quality of life, and chronic pain intensity in children with CP, as well as maternal pain intensity and stress.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Motor impairment was significantly associated with lower child QOL (β = -0.671; SE = 0.657, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and higher pain intensity (β = 0.5; SE = 1.213, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Maternal stress partially mediated the relationship between motor impairment and child QOL (Sobel test = -4.073; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Maternal pain also partially mediated the relationship between motor impairment and child pain (Sobel test = 2.505; <i>p</i> = 0.012).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings highlight the significant impact of motor impairment on QOL and chronic pain intensity in children with CP.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study emphasises the mediating roles of maternal stress and pain intensity, suggesting that interventions should address both the physical symptoms of CP and the psychosocial well-being of children and their mothers.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1731"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12421528/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145041777","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}