UKRI GCRF NEWTON FUND COVID COLLABORATION

STATUS: Current
PROJECT LEADER:Hart, TGB (Dr Tim)
OTHER TEAM MEMBERS: Davids, YD (Dr Derek), Walters, M (Ms Melissa), Bohler, N (Prof. Narnia), Ngungu, MN (Dr Mercy), Rule, SP (Dr Stephen), Pienaar, GD (Adv Gary)
DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE: Developmental, Capable and Ethical State (DCES)
RESEARCH OUTPUTS: The COVID-19 pandemic reveals an unprecedented rise in hunger: South African government was ill-prepared to meet the challenge, Socio-economic wellbeing and human rights-related experiences of people with disabilities in Covid-19 times in South Africa: final report, Literature review to support a survey to understand the socio-economic, wellbeing and human rights related experiences of people with disabilities during Covid-19 Lockdown in South Africa, Vulnerable but overlooked: the Covid-19 vaccine plight of people with disabilities in South Africa, Let your voice be heard: tell us about your experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, Perceptions of persons with disabilities on the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in South Africa

Abstract

The study will investigate the experiences and perceptions of people with diverse impairments (PWD), revealing whether they feel their human rights have been upheld or denied during this time of uncertainty. These findings will then be used to mobilise/influence the SA government to address any rights-based concerns and exclusionary oversights across sectors. It will provide evidence and recommendations to inform the development of a framework (already recognised as needed by MWYPD) to ensure the realisation of the rights of people with disabilities during future national disasters, shocks and crises such as pandemics and similar. After initially reviewing relevant literature, we will refine our survey tool and conduct the first national disability survey asking PWD themselves for their views, with a sample size of approximately 4000 PWDs in South Africa. Mobile phone and online platforms (ICT) will be used to administer remotely, an electronic quantitative and qualitative survey, adhering to COVID-19 lockdown regulations. IDS and HSRC will work in partnership with member organisations, affiliates and partners of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) to design the survey and recruit participants. We will ensure that a wide cross-section of this subpopulation is reached (balancing disability type, race, class, gender, age), respondents being adults with disabilities (or parents) who volunteer to participate. Personal information will be protected as per the Protection of Personal Information Act (2013). The 9 month study is unique in focussing specifically on the perceptions of South African PWDs and their concerns during COVID-19 lockdown and related events and then lobbying for their recommendations to inform a new framework to guide improved inclusive practices in future crises. Findings will be shared nationally, regionally and globally to a range of fora including disability interested audiences, service planners and policymakers.

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