African Journal of Disability最新文献

{"title":"Political rights of persons with disability in the Zimbabwean media.","authors":"Priccilar Vengesai","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1596","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1596","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Political rights are crucial for all individuals, especially marginalised groups such as people with disabilities (PWDs). The Constitution of Zimbabwe specifically reserves two seats in the Senate for PWDs. While this is commendable, the current political climate in Zimbabwe does not sufficiently address PWDs' political inclusion, necessitating further action.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to firstly describe diverging definitions of disability and highlight that persons with visual and hearing impairments are excluded from the media, thus affecting their political engagement. Secondly, to build upon this assertion and elucidate the necessity of enhancing media access for PWDs to improve their political engagement.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A qualitative document-based methodology was utilised.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>People with visual and hearing impairments face considerable barriers in accessing media content during and following electoral processes, effectively constraining their political participation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Political parties should ensure the inclusion of sign language interpreters during election campaigns and provide their manifestos in Braille to enhance media accessibility by people with visual and hearing impairments. Additionally, the integration of sign language and Braille into educational curricula may foster more effective political engagement through various media channels for PWDs. Furthermore, training journalists in sign language and Braille may improve their communication for people with visual and hearing impairments.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study reveals significant challenges encountered by PWDs in accessing media, which exposes barriers to their political participation. To address these obstacles to accessing media, practical solutions are proposed that may improve the representation of PWDs in political roles.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1596"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224024/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561484","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":"Caregiver capabilities: Healthcare interventions for children with developmental disabilities.","authors":"Lumka Magidigidi-Mathiso, Jose Frantz, Gerard C Filies","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1563","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1563","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Developmental disabilities (DDs) involve impairments affecting children's abilities, impacting development and necessitating specialised care. Many caregivers face challenges caring for these children, lacking access to supportive healthcare interventions. Addressing this issue aligns with United Nations (UN) goals for ensuring access to quality services for children with disabilities and their caregivers.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to systematically review and synthesise evidence on healthcare interventions enhancing caregiver capabilities for children with DDs, identifying intervention types, components and effectiveness.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Our systematic review analysed peer-reviewed English-language studies from 2014 to 2024, focusing on interventions for caregivers of children with DDs. The review investigated healthcare interventions designed to enhance caregiver capabilities across diverse cultural contexts, examining international research to understand strategies supporting caregivers of children with DDs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We found significant improvements in caregiver well-being through five interventions. Parent education reduces stress and improves parenting. Peer support decreased isolation while counselling enhanced family functioning. Condition-specific interventions increased intervention adherence among minorities. Combined interventions showed strong positive effects, especially when tailored. Comprehensive programmes greatly improved caregiver quality of life. Further research is needed for underserved communities and culturally adaptive interventions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our review indicates potential positive parental impacts with limited evidence. Small samples warrant future research using larger studies, emphasising rigorous methods, cultural adaptation and diverse community representation.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Our review identifies promising intervention types and highlights the need for further research to optimise caregiver support and promote access to quality services.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1563"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12223970/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561472","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":"Enduring benefits of exercise after spinal cord injury: Insights from a case study.","authors":"Candace Vermaak, Lovemore Kunorozva","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1633","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1633","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Spinal cord injuries (SCIs), while relatively rare, profoundly alter the lives of those affected. Among the diverse causes of SCI, traumatic sporting injuries represent 8.7% of newly reported cases. Despite the life-altering consequences of SCI, physical activity (PA) can mitigate some of these impacts.</p><p><strong>Patient presentation: </strong>This case study highlights the long-term benefits of sustained PA and its crucial role in fostering a cascade of positive outcomes post-SCI. We present the case of an elite South African athlete, 'Jim', who sustained a complete SCI at the C6 level at the age of 16 in 2012 following a fall during dismount in a gymnastics competition. Jim's rehabilitation journey began shortly after the injury, encompassing formal inpatient care, alternative therapies and ultimately a return to competitive sports. By 2015, Jim resumed athletic activities, beginning with shot put and discus before transitioning to wheelchair racing, which became a pivotal aspect of his recovery.</p><p><strong>Management and outcome: </strong>The case emphasises how sustained PA led to Jim's significant physical and mental improvements, such as weight loss, enhanced self-esteem, increased mobility and greater independence in daily living. Moreover, sport provided Jim with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case underscores the importance of creating ongoing opportunities for individuals with SCI to continue their recovery long after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This case study illustrates how sustained PA contributed to a cascade of positive outcomes in Jim's recovery following SCI, offering valuable insights from his lived experience.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1633"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12223967/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561473","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":"An exploration of adherence to the World Health Organization's Prosthetic Standards in Namibia.","authors":"Surona J Visagie, Christopher M Likando","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1614","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1614","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The World Health Organization (WHO) published 'Standards for Prosthetics and Orthotics' to improve these services globally. Research that compares services to the standards assists in developing a baseline against which future development can be measured and identifies areas needing improvement.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This article aims to describe prosthetic services in Namibia and compare them to the 60 WHO standards.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A mixed-methods exploratory design was employed. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with purposively selected participants, including managers (<i>n</i> = 2), service providers (<i>n</i> = 9) and users (<i>n</i> = 16). The data were analysed using content analysis. In the quantitative phase, cross-sectional surveys were administered to managers (<i>n</i> = 2), service providers (<i>n</i> = 10) and users (<i>n</i> = 120). The data were analysed descriptively. Qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated to determine Namibia's adherence to the standards.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The triangulated data showed adherence to 14 standards, partial adherence to 24 and non-adherence to 22 standards. As per the standards' requirements, the government directed the provision of prosthetic services, and a range of prosthetic products was provided free of charge at all levels of care. Funding challenges, no national prosthetics committee, and no databases as well as lacklustre support of providers' careers and professional development, indicated areas of non-adherence.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A systems-based approach, utilising a people-centred conceptual framework, can aid Namibia and similar countries in implementing the standards.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study is the first to provide information on implementing WHO prosthetic standards in an African setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1614"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224022/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561470","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":"Reflections on mental health, <i>Ngozi</i>, and the <i>Dandemutande</i> approach in Zimbabwe.","authors":"Oliver Mutanga","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1599","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1599","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Western mental health models prioritise biomedical explanations and interventions at the expense of indigenous non-Western belief systems that offer culturally relevant understandings of mental health. In Zimbabwe, <i>Ngozi</i> [reconciliatory and restorative spirits] play a significant role in shaping mental health experiences and perceptions. This article introduces the <i>Dandemutande</i> [Spiderweb] approach, an innovative framework that responds to the limitations of solely relying on the Western-based mental health conceptualisation by considering a multidimensional approach that acknowledges and respects cultural and spiritual dimensions alongside Western-based medical interventions to address mental health challenges in non-Western contexts.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to explore the relationship between mental health challenges and <i>Ngozi</i>, and how <i>Ngozi</i> influences the understanding and management of mental health challenges in Zimbabwe.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A multi-layered, autoethnographic methodology integrating personal reflections, narrative accounts, the literature, and media analysis was employed to investigate how <i>Ngozi</i> is believed to affect mental health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This article identifies <i>Ngozi</i> as a significant and influential factor within Zimbabwean cultures, which contributes to mental health issues.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings introduce the <i>Dandemutande</i> approach to mental healthcare, which integrates cultural and spiritual dimensions with Western-based medical interventions to address mental health challenges.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This article highlights the importance of inclusive mental health practices that incorporate indigenous belief systems, for example, reparation and healing initiatives such as compensation. The proposed framework has the potential to positively contribute to mental healthcare in other non-Western contexts where mental health has cultural and spiritual dimensions.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1599"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224029/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561485","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 facilitators of return to work for loss of income claimants: Healthcare workers' perspectives.","authors":"Gofaone L Modise, Catharina J E Uys, Eileen du Plooy","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1442","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1442","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a global and public health concern affecting a third of the world's population mainly in low- to middle-income countries, particularly affecting young people. Returning to work (RTW) following an RTA is essential for better health and financial outcomes. The motor vehicle accident (MVA) Fund Botswana assists loss-of-income (LOI) claimants with medical assistance, compensates for loss, advocates and facilitates RTW.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The study aims to identify barriers to and facilitators of RTW for LOI claimants as experienced by health care workers (HCWs).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A qualitative explorative design included six healthcare workers who had worked with the MVA Fund on RTW for at least 5 years through purposive sampling. Data collection was done using a focus group discussion. Thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti, with data interpretation guided by the ecological case management model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The main themes were healthcare systems, legislation and insurance systems, personal and workplace systems, which were further classified into eight subthemes relating to barriers and facilitators.Barriers included ineffective case management and how claimants perceived work. Facilitators included clear insurance RTW guidelines and workplace support and education level.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Successful RTW can be achieved through multidisciplinary collaboration of HCWs. While legal and healthcare systems play vital roles in RTW, personal factors and workplace systems cannot be ignored.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Understanding the barriers to and facilitators of RTW will assist in implementing RTW interventions to improve patient outcomes, health, livelihoods, quality of life and guide RTW operations to ensure a coordinated process in the insurance industry in Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1442"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12223908/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561471","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":"Optometrists' perceptions of vision impairment services in public hospitals of Limpopo province.","authors":"Modjadji M Leshabane, Nishanee Rampersad, Khathutshelo P Mashige","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1559","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1559","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vision impairment (VI) services aim to mitigate the effect of VI and provide opportunities for visually impaired individuals to actively participate in their daily activities.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine optometrists' perceptions regarding VI services in public hospitals within Limpopo province, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted between January and August 2023 across 37 public hospitals, using a structured questionnaire. Data obtained from the participants' responses were analysed to describe the level of VI services.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study sample included 65 optometrists with 71% female, yielding a response rate of 83%. Over 90% of the participants were aware of the World Health Organization definition of VI. The majority of participants (54%) reported referring patients with VI to a hospital multidisciplinary team, while less than 50% provided optimal spectacle correction. The main barriers to providing VI services were: the lack of assistive devices (97%), and equipment (95%), poor access (80%), insufficient space (66%), and the lack of training (66%). The primary barriers to the uptake of VI services were the lack of awareness (86%) and the cost of VI services (80%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The provision of VI services in Limpopo province is currently limited. The factors contributing to the limited VI services are avoidable; therefore, efforts to enhance the availability of equipment, access and provision of comprehensive VI services are crucial to improving the quality of life for affected individuals utilising public hospitals in Limpopo province.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study describes the optometrists' perceptions of VI services in public hospitals.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1559"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224023/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561483","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":"Teachers' perceptions on including learners with barriers to learning in South African inclusive education system.","authors":"Jacomina M C Motitswe","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1543","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1543","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Inclusive Education acknowledges that all children can learn, but requires support. However, addressing learning barriers and responding to diverse needs remains a challenge in some South African schools, leading to the exclusion of some learners.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explored teachers' perceptions of including learners who experience barriers to learning and responding to their diverse learning needs.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A qualitative case study was conducted using purposive sampling to select six schools across two geographical contexts within one district in the North West province, South Africa. Focus groups were conducted with six school-based support teams (three to five members each), and semi-structured interviews were conducted with six school principals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Teachers expressed concerns about inadequate and limited training in inclusive education, which contributes to persistent negative attitudes. The continued application of the medical model still prevailed. Systemic challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, limited teaching and learning time, insufficient policy guidance, and inadequate support from district-based support teams were also highlighted.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Teachers' reluctance to implement inclusive education policies may be linked to perceptions of inadequate training and lack of resources to address diverse learner needs. Many teachers still follow the medical model rather than an inclusive approach to equitable education. A shift towards inclusive practices requires regular review and support to prevent learner exclusion.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study contributes to policy and practice by advocating for ongoing review and enhancement of inclusive education strategies and pedagogies.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1543"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135115/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227152","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":"Views of students with disabilities on how institutional support shapes their experiences.","authors":"Emeldah C Munjanja, Eleanor A Hendricks","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1553","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1553","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Students with disabilities in higher education continue to face significant challenges, including infrastructural barriers and stigma, which hinder their full participation. Although disability and student counselling units have been established, their effectiveness may be questionable.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Our study explored the perceptions of students with disabilities (SWDs) at selected higher education institutions (HEIs) in Raymond Mhlaba, Eastern Cape, regarding the effectiveness of institutional support systems in shaping their academic experiences.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A qualitative approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews to gather data from 15 SWDs at selected institutions. Data were thematically analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings revealed that institutional support systems played a crucial role in assisting students by providing counselling, wheelchair-accessible residences, food parcels and motorised wheelchairs. However, some participants noted that some services, such as assistive technology and academic accommodations, were not well advertised to students by Disability Offices. Consequently, only students who disclosed their disabilities accessed these services, while those who did not disclose remained unaware and unsupported.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite the crucial role of institutional support systems, there is a significant gap between students' awareness of and ability to access or use the services. Strengthening communication and encouraging students to disclose their disabilities through efforts by administrators, disability services and faculty staff could improve access to support.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Our study contributes to the understanding of how HEIs can create inclusive environments that promote academic and social integration for SWDs.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1553"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135156/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227153","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":"A conceptual framework for self-advocacy by people with intellectual disabilities.","authors":"Babalwa P Tyabashe-Phume, Sharon R Kleintjes","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1594","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1594","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>People with intellectual disabilities are generally not consulted in the development of public policies, which impact their lives, and little is known about how to best empower people with intellectual disabilities to enable them to participate in public policy processes.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Our article reports on developing a conceptual framework to support self-advocacy by people with intellectual disabilities in social and health-related policy development in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Our qualitative study was conducted using empowerment theory and integrated the concept of Ubuntu as a guide and was underpinned by a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through a scoping review, semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The scoping review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review protocol. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were analysed using framework analysis. Data sources were triangulated to develop the conceptual framework, using a process adapted from three approaches used to develop similar conceptual frameworks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data triangulation identified three core elements for self-advocacy: (1) personal development; (2) creating a supportive environment to facilitate the empowerment of people with intellectual disability; and (3) improved policy participation opportunities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Participation of people with intellectual disabilities in public policy decisions, which can improve their quality of life, can be supported by developing their capacity for participation and increasing policymakers' understanding as well as facilitation of what is needed to support their participation.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Our study offers a framework for a comprehensive approach to supporting people with intellectual disabilities in participating in and influencing public policy processes that impact their lives.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"14 ","pages":"1594"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135102/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227146","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}