The perceptions of persons with disabilities, primary caregivers and church leaders regarding barriers and facilitators to participation in a Methodist congregation

Abstract

Stereotypical definitions associating disability with incapacity or abnormality, marginalise persons with disabilities and subject them to discrimination, neglect and abuse. Although societal inclusion of persons with disabilities is progressively recognised as a human right, many obstacles still prevent them from participating in all aspects of community life, including church activities. The paucity of literature on disability within religious environments include few studies applicable to the diverse Southern African socio-cultural context. The purpose of this study was to determine and describe the perceptions of persons with disabilities, primary caregivers of persons with disabilities, and church leaders within a specific Christian congregation, to determine what they deem barriers and facilitators to participation within their unique context. The study was framed within a qualitative, descriptive case study design. Using focus groups with three different participant groups as the data collection method, a comprehensive and in-depth account of the participants’ (n=17) perceptions was documented. Data analysis occurred inductively and deductively. Emergent themes were linked to the relevant theoretical framework, the ICF. Themes included perceptions concerning the social status of persons with disabilities, and how this relates to addressing and accommodating their needs, based on the levels of awareness and understanding of disability. Additionally, perceptions surfaced around access to the physical environment and necessary resources. Numerous connections between the themes and the ICF environmental codes verified the participants’ perceptions that factors in their congregation’s environment hinder, rather than enable, the participation of persons with disabilities in church-related activities. The findings were presented by a social deconstruction of disability, describing disability from a systems thinking perspective. The results implied the need for practical measures to ensure the participation of persons with disabilities in church ministries, and for open communication among all the stakeholders. It is essential to recognise and change the mental conceptualisations that sustain exclusion. The findings also provide recommendations where future research can make additional contributions to the relatively small body of knowledge addressing participation in local churches.