The development of a community-based rehabilitation system for person with disability in San Mahaphon Subdistrict Municipality, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

          This article aimed to: 1) examine the conditions and analyze the rehabilitation needs of persons with disabilities; 2) analyze the mechanisms and operational processes of disability rehabilitation; and 3) propose concrete and sustainable guidelines for developing a community-based rehabilitation (CBR) system for persons with disabilities for San Mahaphon Subdistrict Municipality. This qualitative research employed the concepts of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) and Collaborative Governance as the conceptual framework. The study was conducted in San Mahaphon Subdistrict Municipality. Key informants consisted of 110 participants, including persons with disabilities or their caregivers, local government executives and officials, village health volunteers, representatives from public sector agencies, private enterprises, civil society organizations, and local healthcare service providers. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive analysis.

          The findings revealed that: 1) The majority of persons with disabilities were older adults with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) who expressed a high demand for proactive health services, while lacking access to educational opportunities and employment. 2) Village health volunteers and caregivers for dependent older adults served as the primary mechanisms for delivering primary health care services. Nevertheless, relevant sectors lacked systematic coordination and collaboration, operating in a fragmented manner within their respective organizational boundaries. 3) It is recommended that a "Disability Service Center" be established to serve as a central hub for coordinating multi-sector network partnerships and empowering persons with disabilities. The findings of this research can serve as guidelines for developing a community-based rehabilitation system through collaborative network engagement, thereby enabling local administrative organizations to formulate policies and deliver services more effectively and in greater alignment with the needs of persons with disabilities at the community level.