Occupation and Disability: A Role for Occupational Therapists in Developing Countries

Abstract

Disability issues are rarely priorities for action in developing countries. Prejudicial attitudes against disabled people among the wider community are common and opportunities for empowerment are few. As a result, disabled people are frequently marginalised within their communities and have limited access to education and employment.

Farming is a basic means of livelihood for many people in developing countries and for disabled people, unlikely to be able to secure other employment, farming is of particular relevance. Yet disabled people are often excluded from opportunities to develop farming skills, resulting in further disadvantage and reinforcing the notion of dependence on others.

A qualitative study was carried out in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana in 1996 to examine the position of disabled people in local society, particularly in relation to the range of occupations available to them. The research highlighted a number of pressing needs for disabled people in Ghana. Analysis of these needs showed that, through application of basic occupational therapy philosophy and skills, occupational therapists have a unique contribution to make in improving the quality of life of disabled people in developing countries.