In Zimbabwe, people with disabilities (referred in this essay as PWDs) are among the most vulnerable group in the society. They face many obstacles in their struggle for equality such as failure to assess basic human rights i.e. health and education, barriers to equal participation in all aspects of life, attitudinal problems, decline of state support, negative perceptions at socio-cultural level, unequal employment opportunities, environmental challenges and so on. The writer of this essay would like to assess some of these challenges or obstacles that are faced by people with disabilities and suggest solutions; as the essay unfolds. .
Definition of Terms.
According to Disability Works Australia Limited (2013), a disability may be generally defined as a condition which may restrict a person's mental, sensory or mobility functions to undertake or perform a task. On the other hand, the Disability Services Commission (1993) defines the term 'disability' as any continuing condition that restricts everyday activities; which is attributable to an intellectual, psychiatric, cognitive, neurological, sensory or physical impairment or a combination of those impairments. Disability also refers to a condition or function judged to be significantly impaired relative to the usual standard of an individual or a group. The term is used to refer to individual functioning, including physical impairment, sensory impairment, cognitive impairment, intellectual impairment (mental illness) and various types of chronic disease. There may be effects on organs or body parts and there may be effects on a person's participation in areas of life. The three dimensions of disability are recognised in ICF; that is body structure and function (and impairment thereof, activity (and activity restriction) and participation (and participation restrictions). www.disabled-world.com .
These definitions cited above have one thing in common; they all refer disability as a condition that may restrict or limit a person's daily activity; and may affect his/her physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive or sensory ability.