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Table 3 Main themes and sub-themes related to access to comprehensive rehabilitation and summary of experiences, by type of participant

From: Experiences with rehabilitation and impact on community participation among adults with physical disability in Colombia: perspectives from stakeholders using a community based research approach

Themes

Sub-Themes

PWDs

Caregivers

Rehabilitation Providers

Other stakeholders

Meaning of rehabilitation

 

Inclusive of physical and psychological therapy, sports, and education

Includes therapies and assistive technology

Strategy to promote independence, both in the PWD and their caregivers

A process that “frees” the PWD and their family

It is necessary to overcome fear of leaving the house and improve quality of life

Necessary so PWD can do things without help and reduce their care burden

Should be tailored to individual needs with a multidisciplinary/multilevel

approach

Beyond health and includes sports, recreation, education, employment, peer mentoring, and services for caregivers

Value of rehabilitation seen through peers who have had a successful outcome

Rehabilitation as a tool for acceptance

A path to independence, to be able to decide on your own

Requires articulation between PWD, their families, and providers

Challenges to access comprehensive rehabilitation services

Barriers for personal mobility

Homes of PWDs are inaccessible

 

PWDs lack ability to navigate accessibility barriers with assistive technology

PWDs lack ability to navigate physical barriers with assistive technology

Built-environment barriers in public places

Public places with lots of stairs, no ramps or elevators

Built-environment barriers in public places

Accessibility challenges in public spaces

Lack of accessible, reliable, and affordable public transportation

Lack of accessible and affordable public transportation

Lack of accessible, reliable, and affordable public transportation

Lack of funding to afford transportation

Perceptions and knowledge about disability

Attend talks, seminars as a tool to learn more about ones condition

Need more training on how to care for PWD and themselves

Many providers lack appropriate training in disability

People that design the city need to be aware of universal design

Some professionals, including health and rehabilitation, lack of appropriate knowledge on disability and accessibility

Some rehabilitation providers do not have the training to appropriately work with PWD

Rehabilitation is not seen as inclusive by policy and decision makers

PWD and their families lack interest in learning

Mistrust in medical personnel

Mistrust in medical system

Many PWD and caregivers do not adhere to the programs because lack of interest

PWD need training in rights and self-advocacy

  

PWD and their families only identify as right-holders and not duty-bearers

Awareness on appropriate assistive technology is needed

Navigating the system

Services constantly denied requiring legal appeal

Legal appeal required in many instances to access rehabilitation services

Disability is not a priority for policy makers

Legal appeal required to access services

Pathways to access services are not clear

Services are insufficient

Lack of continuity in public programs and strategies

Lack of coordination between programs

 

Pathways to access services are not clear

Lack of public funding for sport, art, and recreation

Non-existent care pathway

Participation in the community

 

Leisure and recreation participation most mentioned

Leisure and recreation participation most mentioned

Lack of interest and commitment from PWD and their families limit their community participation

Employment necessary to improve the quality of life of PWD and their families

Education and employment important to social participation and to raise awareness on disability

  

Education is key to improve participation

   

Sports as tools that teach independence, responsibility, and commitment

   

Need for PWDs to take leadership roles