Integration of children with disabilities into the community: the role of the community nurse

Abstract

An exploratory, qualitative research design was used to explore the role, attitude, views and competence of the community nurse to integrate children with disabilities into the community of the Mafikeng district, in the North West Province. Barriers to the integration of children with disabilities into the community as well as strategies to address these barriers were identified.

Focus group discussions were conducted to collect data from the community nurses and parents of children with disabilities. Interviews were also conducted to collect data from the clinic health managers.

The findings of this study reveal that the community nurse is instrumental in integrating children with disabilities into the community. However, barriers related to the family, community and health system are challenges to the integration process. The recommendations of this study deal with addressing these barriers.