COST EFFECTS OF ASSISTIVE DEVICES ON THE HOUSEHOLD WELFARE OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN KAKAMEGA COUNTY, KENYA.

Abstract

Persons with disabilities have been recognized by United Nations Convention on the Rights of persons with disabilities that, such individuals should have the same rights to freedom, respect, equality and dignity as everyone else. This study analysed the relationship between the cost of assistive devices and the house hold welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kakamega County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effect of financial costs of assistive devices on household welfare for persons with disabilities, to examine the effect of labour costs, and to assess the supportive programs on household welfare for PWDs in Kakamega County. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The study target was the 1110 registered PWDs in Kakamega County (January 2020 to December 2022). Proportionate sampling technique was used to get the 113-sample size. A closed ended questionnaire was used to collect the data. A pilot study was undertaken in Vihiga County to pre-test the validity and reliability. SPSS version 20 to analyse the data. Frequencies tables, percentages and figures were used to present the data. Study approvals were sought. Anonymity and confidentiality and consenting were adhered to. The findings of the study highlight the economic burden faced by households of PWDs that may inform policy makers. The study found a statistically significant association between household welfare and Supportive Programmes for PWDs at 95% confidence interval (t=13.8; p value = 0.000). Additionally, the relationship between Labour Costs of Assistive Devices and household welfare was statistically significant at 95% confidence interval with a p value of 0.004 and a t-value of 2.929. There was no statistically significant association between Economic Cost of Assistive Devices and household welfare (p value = 0.695 and t value = -0.393). The economic cost of assistive devices (p=0.037), labour cost effects of assistive devices (0.000), support programs costs of assistive devices (0.000). In conclusion, based on findings of this study, the empowerment of communities of PWDs is difficult to achieve due to the high dependencies. However, although it may be costlier to purchase, maintain or upgrade, assistive devices greatly improve the overall quality of life for persons with disability. Similarly, the ability to participate in gainful economic activities by PWDs is vital. Households should therefore not find it hard to access assistive devices to successfully contribute to household incomes. Hence, availability of cost effective and efficient assistive devices in households should be prioritized as this greatly determines the level of PWD participation and engagement in gainful opportunities. The study recommends that collective responsibility is needed to initiate reasonable and expanded interventions that would benefit the empowerment of vulnerable PWD households.