View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository
View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository
View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
S.Il.2 ITEM 44 PROVISION OF REHABILITAnON AIDS<br />
Provision <strong>of</strong>rehabilitation aids has been considered to be an essential factor because it<br />
has been found thatthe majority <strong>of</strong>the amputees were dependent on the disability grant,<br />
were breadwinners and were unemployed.<br />
TABLE S.26 PROVISION OFREHABILITATION AIDS<br />
Donor or Institution thatProvided the Rehabilitation Aid Frequency Percentage<br />
Donation from Non-Govemmental Organization I 4%<br />
Hospital 18 72%<br />
Purchased from the Special Aids Shop<br />
Provision at Community Centres<br />
. 6<br />
-<br />
24%<br />
-<br />
Total 25 100%<br />
Table 5.26 shows that most amputees (18) 72% received rehabilitation aids like<br />
wheelchairs from the hospital at a lesser cost, (6) 24% purchased rehabilitation aids from<br />
the special aids shops, and (1) 4% received these from a non-governmental organization.<br />
No rehabilitation aids were provided at the community centres. The hospital also<br />
.maintain these rehabilitation aids free or at a lesser cost, for example the amputees pay<br />
for consultation, butifrubber tips for the crutches <strong>of</strong>the same amputee are worn out, they<br />
are replaced free <strong>of</strong> charge. Ifthe crutches are broken, amputees have to purchase new<br />
ones at a lesser cost than in the special aids shop. These rehabilitation aids were more<br />
affordable in the hospitals thanin the special aids shops, but for the amputees who only<br />
depend on disability grant being breadwinners, even hospital rehabilitation aids were not<br />
affordable. According to Mbeki (1999:302), without access to these devices, disabled<br />
people endure prolonged periods <strong>of</strong>hospitalization and are dependent for longer periods,<br />
continue to be accommodated in segregated "special" institutions where they were cared<br />
for and continue to experience great difficulties in securing rights to education,<br />
employment and other forms <strong>of</strong>participation in society. It is therefore a challenge for the<br />
Government to prnvide free rehabilitation aids in its institutions to provide for those who<br />
cannot afford purchasing <strong>of</strong>rehabilitation aids.<br />
82
Change language