| dc.description.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. | en_US |
