Existing Social Support Services and the Well-being of Children with Disability in Kadjebi District

Abstract

This study seeks to examine the contribution that government social intervention programme, specifically Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and Free Uniform and Exercise Book Policy have made to the well being of children with disability in the Kadjebi District of the Volta Region. It also investigated the informal social support services in the study area for the wellbeing of children with disability. Thirdly, the study reviewed some existing international and national legislations and how these influenced the work of some key institution to promote the welfare of children in Ghana. The study took place in two (2) Traditional Areas and four (4) communities in the Kadjebi District. Multi-Stage Sampling Method was used to select the Traditional Areas and the communities for the study and Random Sampling and Purposive Sampling Method were used to select the schools and children with disability respectively. Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches were used for data collection and analysis. The study was developed within the framework of Social/Human Rights Model of Disability. The key findings of the study include the fact that children with disability are not been discriminated against in the health and educational institutions because they have equal access to social intervention programmes in the study area but rather suffers discrimination within the family system. The findings also revealed that the programmes have really contributed to their wellbeing. It is recommended that government departments and agencies in the study area intensify community sensitization to educate people on disability issues to reduce or even eliminate discrimination within the family and community structures. Again, social intervention programmes should be extended to cover more children with disability in the District.