Facilitators’ Networks in Community Based Rehabilitation of Children with Physical Disabilities: An Exploration of the Availability and Non-usage of Needed Services

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the needs of children with a physical disability, and analyses how the CBR facilitators’ networks match these needs. Explanations for the unavailability of facilities in the facilitators’ networks are identified. Furthermore, reasons of parents and children for the non-usage of available facilities are examined. To identify the CBR facilitators’ networks and explanations for the unavailability of facilities, 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted with CBR facilitators, and 30 semi-structured interviews with children and their families. The results of the research indicate there are several explanations for the unavailability of facilities in the facilitators’ networks, namely a lack of knowledge about available facilities, lack of responsibility of the local government to establish facilities, a lack of therapists and a lack of cooperation between organizations. Furthermore, children and their families do not visit facilities because they are located far away, the transportation costs are too expensive or the facilities themselves are too expensive. Lastly, parents are sometimes unaware of the existence of those facilities. In conclusion, most facilities are included in the facilitators’ networks, but progression can be made if the identified factors are taken into account, for instance the geographical distance to facilities, the cooperation between organizations, the costs of facilities and the enhancement of knowledge on available facilities.