Analysing disability policy in Namibia: An occupational justice perspective.

Area of Science:

• Disability Studies
• Public Policy Analysis
• Occupational Justice

Background:

• The Namibian disability policy of 1997 requires review due to outdated provisions.
• Stakeholder concerns highlight the need for updated disability and rehabilitation policies.
• Government announced policy review intentions in March 2017.

Purpose of the Study:

• To generate evidence for an updated Namibian disability policy.
• To promote occupational justice for persons with disabilities.
• To develop and analyze alternative policy options.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research design utilizing Bardach's eightfold path for policy analysis.
• Theoretical framework: Critical disability theory.
• Conceptual framework: Occupational justice framework.

Main Results:

• Three policy alternatives identified: access, support, and universal coverage.
• Access policy presented the fewest trade-offs.
• Support policy had the most trade-offs in the Namibian context.
• Access policy is projected to enhance occupational participation for persons with disabilities.

Conclusions:

• Findings inform the selection of disability policies promoting occupational participation and justice.
• The study contributes to advancing occupational justice in disability policy formulation.
• Implications for policy development in Namibia and beyond.