Recognizing the Rights of Children with Disabilities in Malawi
Aim: This study explored the gaps between the rights of persons with disabilities, outlined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), and the lived experiences of children with disabilities in Malawi.
Background: The UN CRPD, signed by Malawi in 2007, was developed to promote, protect and ensure the rights and inherent dignity of all persons with disabilities; however, the realization of these rights for children with disabilities in Malawi is unknown.
Methods:A descriptive qualitative study was conducted guided by a rights-based approach. Data generation included one-on-one qualitative interviews with 30 children with disabilities (15 boys,15 girls), in Salima District, Malawi. Data were analyzed using Taguette with codes generated relating to each UN CRPD article.
Results: Rights of children with disabilities in Malawi are improving with the efforts of the community, teachers, Malawi Council for the Handicapped, and family. Children expressed discrimination and inequalities in the realization of some rights. There remain gaps in service, policy, and programs related to critical human rights of education (Article 24), community inclusion (Article 19), abuse (Article 16), accessibility (Article 9), and standard of living (Article 28).
Conclusion: Findings will enable service providers to prioritize the programming offered to children with disabilities to ensure a comprehensive breadth of rights are met.
Recognizing the Rights of Children with Disabilities in Malawi
UN CRPD Articles in the red, placed before the start line, were not addressed during the interviews. Following the start line, the articles in orange, yellow, and light green are where gaps are found. Articles that were most met are approaching the finish line.
United Nations
UN is an international organization established in 1945 by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress, better living standards, and human rights.
Malawi Council for the Handicapped
MACOHA is a statutory organization established by the Malawi Government in 1972 to act as an agent in providing rehabilitation services and promoting public awareness of persons with disabilities to improve their welfare, care, and standard of living.
Researcher Biography
Jenine Catherine Julian, OTRP, graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2018. She worked as a pediatric occupational therapist in the Philippines for two years. Currently, she is a Post-Professional MAOT student in the Department of Occupational Therapy at New York University.
jcj343@nyu.edu
Researcher Biography
Katie Mulcahy, OTS, graduated from Wagner College in 2020 with a Bachelor's of Science in Biopsychology. Currently, she is a second year graduate student in New York University's Master's of Occupational Therapy program. She will graduate from this program in May of 2023.
km5051@nyu.edu
Researcher Biography
Morgan O'Shea, OTS, is a second year graduate student in New York University's Master's of Occupational Therapy Program. She graduated from Stockton University with a Bachelor's of Science in Health Science in 2019. She will graduate from NYU in May of 2023.
mao9264@nyu.edu