The Ghana Community-Based Rehabilitation Program for People With Disabilities: What Happened at the End of Donor Support?

Abstract

In this case study the authors examined the functioning of the community-based rehabilitation (CBR) program for people with disabilities in 3 pilot districts after the conclusion of donor support in Ghana. Questionnaire and interview data from 42 people with disabilities, 8 local supervisors, and 3 social workers about program structures, support for people with disabilities, and challenges were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative procedures, involving the use of Leximancer software. The authors found that some CBR structures remained in the communities. Diminished support for disabled peoples' organizations from communities and local government agencies were key challenges. The problem of volunteer local supervisors wanting to be paid ignited the evidence versus ideology debate around sustainability of CBR programs.