Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Thesis (DPhil (Social Work))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

This study, conducted in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding rural and township areas, is a critical exploration of the training of mid-level Community Based Rehabilitation workers with a specific focus on the ability of course participants to understand and address the oppression and empowerment of people with disabilities. The aim of the study was to develop a conceptual framework for curriculum construction of a midlevel Community Based Rehabilitation course, through examining a Community Based Rehabilitation course and the changes that were made to it. The study was conducted within a critical theory paradigm. The social model of disability and an understanding of disability as a form of oppression were the key constructs that guided the research. Participatory action research was used in the initial phase of the research, followed by a second phase that adopted a life history approach. The initial phase of the study consisted of one cycle of action research, beginning with a reflection on the existing curriculum. The action research cycle then moved through stages of planning changes to the curriculum, implementing the changes, observing the effects of the changes and reflecting again. Data collection comprised interviews with staff members, students and community rehabilitation facilitators who had previously completed the Community Based Rehabilitation course, as well as focus groups with people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. Several participatory rural appraisal techniques were also used with the students. The action research cycle raised further questions about how the life experiences of the students influenced their responses to the changed curriculum. This stimulated the development of the second phase of the research which used life history methodology, comprising in-depth interviews with four students. The study found that several changes occurred in the students’ attitudes and understanding as well as in some of the activities they undertook. Some students worked with rather than for people with disabilities, indicating a change in the power relationship with their clients. The students were able to analyse their own oppression and that of people with disabilities, unlike previous students. The students also engaged in social action for the rights of people with disabilities. These findings cannot be solely attributed to the changes in curriculum. However, they raise the possibility that Community Based Rehabilitation personnel can work to address the oppression of people with disabilities rather than focusing entirely on technical rehabilitation, which is a common approach in the literature. An analysis of the life histories revealed that those students identified as ‘activists’, more willingly engaged in social action during the Community Based Rehabilitation course than other students. This challenges the dominant discourse in the literature of Community Based Rehabilitation personnel as rehabilitation workers rather than activists. One key contribution of this thesis is to research methodology through its combination of life history methodology and action research in the study. A second is its proposed framework for curriculum construction that incorporates findings from the action research and the life histories. This framework, with its macroenvironment, organisational and student influences on the curriculum, contributes to the under-theorised field of Community Based Rehabilitation training. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu Natal, 2008.

South Africa as a developing country faces the challenges of providing a better life for all its citizens. The South African society is of two extremes, a small population of the wealthy and a large portion of the poor. In a growing economy there is an increase in the gap between rich and poor. The rich work to keep their wealth and the poor work but struggle to provide the bare necessities for their families. The challenges facing South Africa are of alleviating poverty, through providing adequate shelter, jobs, education and health for all South Africans. These are essential elements that are needed to create better communities and functional families. The solutions to these problems are sometimes not thought through and integrated with other sectors of society. This leads to quick fix solutions to deep routed problems which are isolated to the countries’ developments. South Africa has a deep history rooted in apartheid. Living within a post apartheid society South Africans have inherited a built environment that was aimed for specific segregated population groups. In a democratic society people have an opportunity of “equal sharing” within the economy. This leaves a large portion of the population struggling to rid themselves of poverty. These are the major issues which lead to committing crime and consequently imprisonment. This research study specifically deals with the correctional services institutions built form, rehabilitation and reintegration processes for the ex-prisoner. The built forms role in society can be far reaching and shape the life form of its inhabitants. It can facilitate a positive role in deterring the social ills of society. Presently the built environments cannot accommodate the growing and integrated population groups. The role of the correctional facilities is important in providing safe communities by removing those individuals harmful to society. A thorough approach to imprisonment, rehabilitation and social reintegration of ex-prisoners will assist in keeping safe communities. The understanding of prisons, their environment and the role of the built form with regards to social reintegration processes is important. This will assist in lessening the amount of recidivism of ex-prisoners once released. This research seeks to establish the role in which the built form can support rehabilitation for ex-prisoners in the view of reintegrating them back into society. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

MPH / Department of Public Health / Background: Globally, more than one billion people, or approximately 15% of the world’s population are living with some form of disability and 80% of them are found in developing countries. There are different types of disability; these include sensory, neurological, physical, intellectual, cognitive and psychiatric disabilities. Persons with disabilities may require specialized care, resources and commitment which place a very high demand of time and responsibilities on the one caring for them. Therefore, Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) was promoted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a strategy to respond to the needs of persons with disabilities, through the provision of basic services at community level, particularly in developing countries with limited resources. Methodology: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the challenges faced by Community-Based Rehabilitation caregivers for persons with disabilities in Vhembe District, South Africa. A qualitative phenomenological design was used to explore and develop an in-depth understanding of the CBR caregiver’s challenges. The study was conducted in three Community-Based Rehabilitation centres located within Vhembe District with a sample size of six caregivers who were purposively selected. An interview guide was developed as an instrument for data collection. Data was collected through in-depth individual interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Six main themes emerged from the data which shed light on the CBR caregiver’s challenges, namely; Poor relationships between caregivers, government v department and families, unavailability of material and human resources, poor funding system, caregivers’ well-being, education and training and the coping strategies of CBR caregivers Conclusion: This study pointed out that there is a need for intervention from different stakeholders such as government departments, family members of persons with disability, and the community members as well for CBR caregiver’s challenges to be resolved or minimized.