The Role of Community-Based Rehabilitation and Community-Based Inclusive Development in Facilitating Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities Globally

Abstract

Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is a multi-sectoral strategy that addresses the human rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Justice is a core component within the social pillar of the CBR Matrix, however, there is limited understanding of how CBR and Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) programs are implementing this component globally. The CBR Global Network and partners facilitated five online dialogues in different regions of the world to understand current practices and the future of the field as it relates to justice, choice, and power in CBR/CBID. Analysis was completed both deductively and inductively, to explore the trends and issues and any similarities or differences in practice across the regions. Participants discussed (i) challenges in policy implementation and law enforcement; (ii) the role of CBR/CBID programs; (iii) the role of family (as both facilitator and barrier to accessing justice); and (iv) engagement of people with disabilities. Findings detail important experiences of the CBR/CBID stakeholders around the globe, and may inform future funding, practice, and advocacy.