Growing up and sexual maturation and the culture of silence surrounding disability in Zimbabwe

Psychological well-being of adolescents with physical disabilities in Zimbabwean inclusive community settings: An exploratory study

“…Disability inclusive communities are those communities that facilitate the inclusion of people with and without disabilities, rather than expecting individuals to fit into the existing arrangements (Chakuchichi & Mutamiswa 2003 ; WHO 2004 ). Inclusive communities are not about the vulnerable members of the community, but they constitute a framework through which all community development can take place (Ainscow 2003 ).…”

“…Inclusive communities recognise that all community members, not only those who are vulnerable to marginalisation, require communities that are responsive to all aspects of community diversity (Ainscow 2003 ). The core value of an inclusive community is acknowledging that people are different and that diversity should be valued (Chakuchichi, Chimedza & Chinze 2003 ; Engelbrecht & Green 2007 ). An inclusive community engages in both sustained and sustainable strategies that are designed to address the needs of its diverse people, including those with disabilities.…”

“…The inclusive communities’ programmes that are being implemented in Zimbabwe and in other developing countries support western perspectives on disability. Western perspectives on disability generally differ from African perspectives as the latter are based on local cultures (Chakuchichi & Chimedza 2003 ), and they operate from the broader attitudes of society (Mpofu 2003 ). African societies as a rule view disability as a product of sin or a curse, and efforts to address challenges emanating from such causes must therefore be directed at the family and not the community level (Chakuchichi & Chimedza 2003 ; Mpofu 2003 ; Mpofu et al 2012 ).…”

“…Zimbabwean inclusive policies are captured in the form of circulars that give guidance in inclusive communities in Zimbabwe and are designed at department level. An example of such a policy is the Director Circular No 3 of 2001, which contains guidelines on providing equal access to education for learners with disabilities (Chakuchichi & Mutamiswa 2003 ). Laws on inclusive communities’ services are necessary for the funding and accountability of these programmes (Chakuchichi, Chimedza & Chinze 2003 ; Mutamiswa & Chakuchichi 2003 ).…”

“…An example of such a policy is the Director Circular No 3 of 2001, which contains guidelines on providing equal access to education for learners with disabilities (Chakuchichi & Mutamiswa 2003 ). Laws on inclusive communities’ services are necessary for the funding and accountability of these programmes (Chakuchichi, Chimedza & Chinze 2003 ; Mutamiswa & Chakuchichi 2003 ). In the absence of any mandatory order stipulating the services to be provided, there can be no meaningful inclusive community services for adolescents with physical disabilities in Zimbabwe.…”