The impact of community based rehabilitation as implemented by community rehabilitation facilitators on people with disabilities, their families and communities within South Africa

PURPOSE: To find out the impact of community based rehabilitation (CBR) as implemented by mid-level rehabilitation workers known as community rehabilitation facilitators (CRFs) on people with disabilities (PWD), their families and the communities in South Africa. METHOD: A qualitative research design was used with an emphasis on participatory methods with PWD and their family members. Data collection took the form of individual interviews, focus groups and transects walks in both urban and rural settings within six provinces of South Africa. RESULTS: Although CRFs work with individuals, groups, families and the community, they appear to have had a stronger impact on individuals with disabilities rather than the community at large. Various gaps were also identified and were related to the poor recognition of the scope of practice of CRFs as well as to individual CRFs abilities to carry out certain tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Although the results suggest that CRFs have had a positive impact, there are still a number of issues that need to be addressed. These include proper support of CRFs and intersectoral collaboration between government departments to ensure the future of CBR in South Africa.