Abstract

SCHOEMAN, Linda. Initiating responsive and efficient disability services. S. Afr. j. occup. ther. [online]. 2009, vol.39, n.1, pp.18-26. ISSN 2310-3833.

Government interventions in rehabilitation are guided by policies. Advocates of policy too often provide too much information that is filtered or biased due to a strong emphasis on stakeholder participation and citizen engagement in the policy-making process. A lack of scientific evidence and the absence of a culture of evidence-based policy-making in the disability sector lay the ground for policy neglect and inadequate service delivery outcomes. This article examines the reasons behind policy neglect within the South African disability environment. It explores alternative approaches for policy effectiveness and takes a closer look at how collaborative relationships influence the structure of rehabilitation plans and its impact on the overall design of policy value chains for people with disabilities. The article calls for policy action that integrates people with disability into society through the advancement of community based structures supported by the correct mix of policy instruments thereby initiating a responsive disability service.

Keywords : Policy-making; policy instruments; rehabilitation; allocative efficiency; disability services.

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