Abstract:
Persons with physical disabilities exist everywhere and are one of the most vulnerable segments
of the society. Socio-economic challenges of PwPDs was not investigated in the study area
therefore, this study attempted to explore the Socio-economic challenges of PWPDS in, Biruhe
Disability Association, Gesha District, Kaffa Zone SNNPR. The overall objective of this
research is to investigate the socio- economic challenges and opportunities of persons with
physical disabilities. To this purpose qualitative single case embedded study design was
employed. Data was gathered from participants of study using different data collection
instruments such as in depth interviewees, focus group discussions key informant interviews,
observation, and document analysis. The recruitment of the participants was done through
purposive non probability sampling technique. Sample size for this study was guided by data
saturation but initially the researcher planned to conduct ten key informant interviews with
PwDS association leaders, experts working for woreda government and other non-profit
organizations that support association of persons with disability in the woreda. Both primary and
secondary data was collected to enrich the data and support the process of answering the initial
research questions and other issues that might emerge. The collected data was analyzed using
different qualitative data analysis techniques and mainly using thematic analysis. The study have
revealed that persons with physical disabilities are found to be under extreme socio-economic
challenges given the nature of their disability and other factors which were identified through
this study such as: lack of livelihood opportunity, inaccessibility of services needed most for
keeping their wellbeing and stigma and discrimination. Implications and recommendation were
raised from general conclusion of the study. This study was carried out from end of March
through mid of July, 2021
