The Impact of Knowledge on the Utilisation of Programmes and Services by Persons with Disability

Abstract

The study aims to discuss whether the knowledge of programmes and services increases the utilisation of them by persons with disability. By following a quasi-experimental research design, pre- and post-training interviews were conducted with 34 participants. Post-training assessments were conducted after an interval of 6 months and again after a 4-year follow-up. The analysis showed that majority of participants had 41%–74% of disability, were involved in manual work, had knowledge on free bus pass and were getting pension. The comparison of pre- and post-training data showed significant difference in knowledge (F = 29.051, p < 0.001) and service utilisation levels (F = 11.999, p < 0.001). It was evident that knowledge played a vital role in utilisation of the services. Hence, government and service providers need to pay more attention on creating awareness of policies, programmes and services for the better utilisation of them.