Self-help facilitation for people living with disabilities: a tool for empowerment? A qualitative study in the context of rural Zambia

Abstract: This report is the result of a field study conducted in the southern part of Zambia, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how self-help facilitation provided by the organisation Response Network can contribute to the empowerment of people living with disabilities in the context of rural Zambia. We interviewed four people working for the organisation as well as the principal responsible of youth with disabilities in a rural high school. We also conducted two focus group interviews with two disability support groups in a rural village. The results of this study were analysed using empowerment theory and systems theory. Our findings showed that self-determination, education and participation were contributing to the empowerment of people with disabilities. Level of attitudes, understanding and motivation were shown to be important factors which impact the empowerment of people with disabilities.