Economic empowerment of physically disabled people in South Africa: challenges and prospects

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Periodical article

Title:	Economic empowerment of physically disabled people in South Africa: challenges and prospects
Author:	Gathiram, Neeta
Year:	2007
Periodical:	Journal of Social Development in Africa (ISSN 1012-1080)
Volume:	22
Issue:	1
Pages:	143-164
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	South Africa Southern Africa
Subjects:	physically disabled affirmative action Economics, Commerce People with disabilities economic development social integration
Abstract:	South Africa has adopted a developmental approach to disability, based on the social model of disability. To this end, economic empowerment of disabled people is now a priority. Using empirical data, this paper interrogates the progress that has been made, twelve years into the new democratic dispensation, vis-à-vis the integration of physically disabled people into South Africa's economic life. A positive policy framework does exist, and this is supported by legislation and numerous programmes for the integration of disabled people into the economy. Despite the intent of the policy reforms and initiatives in place, numerous challenges are evident in terms of policy implementation. In particular, the consequences and implications of past disadvantage appear to pose obstinate barriers to achieving economic empowerment. The study concludes that synergy between mainstream development, and those programmes that are envisaged for disabled people, is a definite prerequisite for positive outcomes. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]