Community rehabilitation workers as change agents: ”bringing back respect and dignity to communities!” Presenter: Mrs Siphokazi Sompeta Disability Studies Programme, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa 2nd world cbr congress (27-29 SEPTEMBER 2016) Email: Sgcaza@gmail.com

introduction South Africa is a diverse society with various needs requiring a population based approach. The needs, range from poverty to health services that do not match the population’s health needs. This requires attention from a range of health professionals with different skills set. In a population based approach these health professionals need to be used optimally for the benefit of the community. The students need to come from the very same vulnerable communities we are talking about because are better at navigating their communities.

Rationale These students needed to be equipped and strengthened their skills on working with communities like community entry, community development, advocacy, specific technical and referrals skills. Introduction of a higher education certificate on inclusive development and disability to bridge the gap of health workers responding to the broader health needs including disability of the communities. Unpack how this certificate course has encouraged and strengthened the students through them developing a consciousness; thereby taking a responsibility towards their communities

The Higher Certificate In Disability Practice Inclusive development and agency (IDA) Promoting healthy lifestyles (PHL) Health wellness and functional ability (HWFA) Disability information management and communication systems (DIMCS) Work integrated practice learning (WIPL I & II) The rehab care worker (RCW) programme is a collaborative initiative with the department of health in the western cape. The programe involved the training of 33 community workers from the Mitchell’s plain sub district. The programme comprises five courses taught over the period of one year.

HCDP learning outcomes Screen and identify disabled persons for impairments, functional ability and participation restrictions in the life areas of living, learning, working and socializing. Implement health promoting actions, education and strategies. Apply essential methods, procedures and techniques to address impairments and functional limitations experienced Provide basic interventions to improve participation in the life areas Promote the rights of disabled persons. Promote re-integration of disabled persons into home and community life.

Behavioural outcomes (RCWs can..) Help with daily life (living, learning, socialising, working) Assist with rehabilitation & disability management at home Record, present and report information of patient’s health status once out of facility Identify and mobilise resources with community Identify priority cases for referral Observe and screen

Inclusive development and Agency Knowledge Ethics of care Disability rights Community based rehabilitation guidelines Environmental factors to participation Personal attributes Culturally sensitive Respectful demeanour Respectful of client space Confidential Skills Observe-listen-communicate Build collaboration with family, disabled persons association, self help groups Demonstrate use of family conversation guide/tool Demonstrate use of Wheel of Opportunities for Participation Learning outcomes Promote the rights of people with disabilities and implement strategies and actions to enable participation Specific learning outcomes Define and explain the concepts of disability social inclusion and community development Explain the concept of power and the politics of power in the work context Identify the purpose of disability rights policies Identify and describe barriers and facilitators to participation across sectors Implement strategies to enable participation and access to services Demonstrate evidence of mobilizing resources in the community Establish collaborative relationships with relevant stakeholders Mode of delivery Lectures/guest lecturers Presentations: oral, posters Classroom based practical demonstrations Work integrated practise opportunity Facility-based learning Community based learning Reflective activities

Key Issues DEVELOPING CONSCIOUSNESS. RESPECT & DIGNITY (UBUNTU) SOCIAL CAPITAL DEVELOPING CONSCIOUSNESS: An adult learning approach was adopted and framed using the action learning cycle so that the rcw’s are equipped to work in a developmental and empowering way. RESPECT & DIGNITY (UBUNTU): Contribute to and involve the community through roles as facilitators, advocates, consultants, resource persons. SOCIAL CAPITAL: Use of community-based workers is an advantage because they understand the culture, strengths and weaknesses of their communities.

Key areas to participation ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE REHABILITAION SERVICES FAMILY LIFE & PERSONAL INTEGRITY PUBLIC AWARENESS ON DISABILITY For our context common facilitators are: