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Experiences of Organisations of (or That Serve) Persons with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic and National Lockdown Period in South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Naomi Hlongwane

    (Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7602, South Africa
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Lieketseng Ned

    (Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7602, South Africa
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Emma McKinney

    (Interdisciplinary Centre for Sports Science and Development, Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa)

  • Vic McKinney

    (Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa)

  • Leslie Swartz

    (Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa)

Abstract

Organisations have long played an effective role in advocating for and actioning crucial developmental and humanitarian functions around the world, often under challenging conditions, as well as servicing the health needs of persons with disabilities. This article reports on the experiences of organisations of (or that serve) persons with disabilities, hereafter called service providers, during the COVID-19 lockdown period in South Africa beginning 26 March 2020. Organisations participated in an online survey as well as virtual narrative interviews to voice out their experiences. Five major themes emerged: (1) difficulties in keeping the doors open; (2) continued care under lockdown; (3) restructuring of care (4) government systems and policies; and (5) reaching out to offer and receive support. The findings demonstrate that the South African government failed to ensure targeted support to organisations of persons with disabilities. A remarkable feature of the organisations we interviewed for this small study was their agility in responding creatively to the challenges they faced, despite the difficulties. There is a need for government support to include targeted efforts to support organisation of persons with disabilities during pandemics to avoid worsening service gaps.

Suggested Citation

  • Naomi Hlongwane & Lieketseng Ned & Emma McKinney & Vic McKinney & Leslie Swartz, 2022. "Experiences of Organisations of (or That Serve) Persons with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic and National Lockdown Period in South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12641-:d:932559
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    References listed on IDEAS

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