Shumba, Tonderai W.2014-02-072014-02-072011http://hdl.handle.net/11070/546A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master in Public HealthAbstract provided by authorThe concept of community based rehabilitation (CBR) today is that people with disabilities should have the right to a quality life. The help they need should be available to them, at a low cost. It should be offered to them and their family in a way that suits their usual way of living, whether in a village, a town or a city. There should be large transfer of knowledge and skills about disability and rehabilitation to people with disabilities (PWDs), their families and the community. The problem is that currently there is no evidence of the effectiveness of the Namibian CBR programmeThis study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of people with physical disabilities in the CBR programme in the Okamatapati community. The objectives of the study were to explore and describe the experiences of people with physical disabilities who participate in the CBR programme in the Okamatapati community and to identify possible areas of improvement in the CBR programme in order to effectively address the needs of people with physical disabilities in Namibia.This study utilized a research design that is qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual. The population in this study was all people with physical disabilities who are participating in the Okamatapati CBR programme. Purposive sampling together with a set of inclusion criteria were utilised to select the sample. Photovoice method with follow-up group discussions was used to collect data. The photos were organised according to themes and sub-themes. Trustworthiness and ethical considerations were observed during all stages of the study. The study revealed the following key themes: secure livelihood was viewed as an important entity to alleviate poverty; health services where health is viewed as a fundamental human right; environmental barriers where environment allows people to participate in a dignified manner with maximum independence; and HIV/AIDs and disability where CBR programme can be effective in raising the profile of disability in HIV/AIDS programmes and services. The recommendations regarding areas of improvement could be considered to develop an action plan that would improve the quality of life of all people with disabilities.164 pengPeople with disabilitiesSocial work with people with disabilitiesThesisF004-199299999999999