ACCESS AND CHALLENGES OF SERVICE PROVISION FOR PERSONS WITH PHYSICALDISABILITES;THECASE OF WELKITE TOWN ADMINISTRATION, KEBENA AND ABESHGEA WEREDA.

Abstract

Though there are fragmented attempts of Service provisions for PwDs, quality and accessibility is still at lower level in Ethiopia. Studies focusing on service provision and access services are very little in the National and International level. The main objective of this study was therefore to examine access and challenges of service provision for PwPDs in wolkite town and its environs. To meet this objective the study employed mixed research design. Participants were selected with stratified sampling. Both primary and secondary data were collected. Interview and questionnaire were the main data collection instruments. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23 through mean, standard deviations and percentage for the study. Data gathered through interview have interpreted, thematically, in line with the data gathered by questionnaire. From the study it was found that the limitations on delivering necessary services for people with disabilities; limitations on physical accommodations like, creating barrier-free environment for PwPDs at welkite town administration and its environs wereda OoLSA. The institutional structure to service provision for persons with physical disabilities are not enough appropriate. There is no Rehabilitation center that used to render services forPwPDs, Low efficiency performance in welkite town administration and its environs office of labor &social affairs. However, the findings of the study indicate limitations in supporting implementation of service provisions for PwPDs in office of labor and social affairs. Availability of stakeholder in provision services activity are not being implemented as expected level. There were also challenges faced by PwPDs such as. Physical rehabilitation services are not available; less implementation of small and micro enterprise strategies in welkite town administration and its environs wereda. Finally, PwPDs are maladapted. They didn’t cope with and didn’t adapt with the barriers and demands created byimpairment in Welkite and its environs that needs intervention on the part of stakeholders. Finally, basedon the conclusions of the study recommendations were made such as, OoLSA have to give emphasize for sectorial collaboration to achieve intended goals; the office have to take appropriate measures to provide assistive device, wheelchair, elevator, and put customer-oriented description at appropriate place and organize the office of disability at ground and like.