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Empirical research and data are necessary for policy, planning and provision of services for persons with disabilities. Research data may be available but still not used by researchers and policy makers. The aim of this study is to explore existing empirical research and sources of data on Assistive Technology (AT) in Malawi in order to facilitate the development of an AT policy and Assistive Product List (APL). A two-stage process using a scoping review methodology was adopted to identify (1) empirical research on AT in Malawi and (2) sources of existing data on AT in Malawi. Following a narrative synthesis, 12 heterogenous studies that reported on the use, availability, sources and knowledge about AT in Malawi were identified. Identified studies suggest that there is high unmet need for AT and services in Malawi. Five major sources of data on disability and AT were Identified. Only 2 out of the 12 studies had used existing sources of data. The high unmet need for AT and services in Malawi have substantial implications for persons with disabilities. Developing mechanisms that will improve the use of existing data on AT in all countries is pivotal for the efficient and effective development of AT ecosystems.

Empirical research and data are necessary for policy, planning and provision of services for persons with disabilities. Research data may be available but still not used by researchers and policy makers. The aim of this study is to explore existing empirical research and sources of data on Assistive Technology (AT) in Malawi in order to facilitate the development of an AT policy and Assistive Product List (APL). A two-stage process using a scoping review methodology was adopted to identify (1) empirical research on AT in Malawi and (2) sources of existing data on AT in Malawi. Following a narrative synthesis, 12 heterogenous studies that reported on the use, availability, sources and knowledge about AT in Malawi were identified. Identified studies suggest that there is high unmet need for AT and services in Malawi. Five major sources of data on disability and AT were Identified. Only 2 out of the 12 studies had used existing sources of data. The high unmet need for AT and services in Malawi have substantial implications for persons with disabilities. Developing mechanisms that will improve the use of existing data on AT in all countries is pivotal for the efficient and effective development of AT ecosystems.

Levels of mental health awareness in rural Kenya remain very low with higher levels of stigma and discrimination towards people with psychosocial disabilities, especially for women. This study aimed to describe the levels and correlates of mental health knowledge, discrimination and social functioning among rural women with psychosocial disabilities in Kenya. We randomly recruited 25 women living with psychosocial disabilities in a rural county. Mental health knowledge was measured by Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS), anticipated discrimination was measured by Questionnaire on Anticipated Discrimination while social functioning was measured using the Social Functioning questionnaire. The mean age of study participants was 36.6 ± 3.0 and the mean score of MAKS was 21.9 ± 30. The most endorsed item was referring a friend with mental illness to a professional to seek help. The prevalence of low social functioning was 64%. In terms of identification of mental illness, majority (88%) identified depression as a mental illness. Higher mental health knowledge was associated with a higher level of education (p = 0.012), being self-employed as opposed to unemployed (p = 0.018) and earning monthly income (p = 0.023). The most frequent reason for anticipated discrimination was friends and neighbors knowing about their mental health problems (24.0%). Anticipated discrimination was associated with participants who had ever been treated for a mental health problem (p = 0.05). Poor social functioning was significantly correlated with the number of years lived with disability (p < 0.001). Poor mental health awareness and discrimination against people with psychosocial disabilities limit their functioning, health-seeking and recovery in Kenya. There is need for prioritization of mental health services and increased mental health awareness to improve health-seeking behavior, social participation and recovery for persons with psychosocial disabilities.

This paper aims to address the information gap on the influence of socio-demographic factors on access and utilization of Assistive Technology (AT) among children with disabilities in Malawi. Thus, it contributes towards the realization of the recommendations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities and the development of a framework for creating an effective national AT policy. The paper used two statistically matched datasets, namely, the 2017 survey on Living conditions among persons with disabilities in Malawi and the 2015-16 Malawi Demographic and Health survey. Logistic regression and structural equation modeling techniques were utilized to assess the influence of socio-demographic factors on the use of AT among children with disabilities. The results indicate that there is a high level of unmet need for AT among young children aged 2 to 9 and those living in urban areas. The results further indicate that children with multiple disabilities have lower odds (OR = 0.924) of using AT for personal mobility compared to children with a single functional difficulty. These results entail that AT needs for children with multiple disabilities are not adequately addressed. Therefore, when developing policies on AT, younger children and those with multiple disabilities need to be specifically targeted

This paper aims to address the information gap on the influence of socio-demographic factors on access and utilization of Assistive Technology (AT) among children with disabilities in Malawi. Thus, it contributes towards the realization of the recommendations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities and the development of a framework for creating an effective national AT policy. The paper used two statistically matched datasets, namely, the 2017 survey on Living conditions among persons with disabilities in Malawi and the 2015-16 Malawi Demographic and Health survey. Logistic regression and structural equation modeling techniques were utilized to assess the influence of socio-demographic factors on the use of AT among children with disabilities. The results indicate that there is a high level of unmet need for AT among young children aged 2 to 9 and those living in urban areas. The results further indicate that children with multiple disabilities have lower odds (OR = 0.924) of using AT for personal mobility compared to children with a single functional difficulty. These results entail that AT needs for children with multiple disabilities are not adequately addressed. Therefore, when developing policies on AT, younger children and those with multiple disabilities need to be specifically targeted

Background: Equity and inclusion are important principles in policy development and implementation. The aim of this study is to explore the extent to which equity and inclusion were considered in the development of Malawi’s National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan. Methods: We applied an analytical methodology to review the Malawi’s National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan using the EquIPP (Equity and Inclusion in Policy Processes) tool. The EquIPP tool assesses 17 Key Actions to explore the extent of equity and inclusion. Results: The development of the Malawi National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan was informed by a desire to promote the rights, opportunities and wellbeing of persons with disability in Malawi. The majority (58%) of the Key Actions received a rating of three, indicating evidence of clear, but incomplete or only partial engagement of persons with disabilities in the policy process. Three (18%) of the Key Actions received a rating of four indicating that all reasonable steps to engage in the policy development process were observed. Four (23%) of the Key Actions received a score five indicating a reference to Key Action in the core documents in the policy development process. Conclusions: The development of disability policies and associated implementation strategies requires equitable and inclusive processes that consider input from all stakeholders especially those whose wellbeing depend on such policies. It is pivotal for government and organisations in the process of policy or strategy development and implementation, to involve stakeholders in a virtuous process of co-production – co-implementation – co-evaluation, which may strengthen both the sense of inclusion and the effectiveness of the policy life-cycle.

Background: Equity and inclusion are important principles in policy development and implementation. The aim of this study is to explore the extent to which equity and inclusion were considered in the development of Malawi’s National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan. Methods: We applied an analytical methodology to review the Malawi’s National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan using the EquIPP (Equity and Inclusion in Policy Processes) tool. The EquIPP tool assesses 17 Key Actions to explore the extent of equity and inclusion. Results: The development of the Malawi National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan was informed by a desire to promote the rights, opportunities and wellbeing of persons with disability in Malawi. The majority (58%) of the Key Actions received a rating of three, indicating evidence of clear, but incomplete or only partial engagement of persons with disabilities in the policy process. Three (18%) of the Key Actions received a rating of four indicating that all reasonable steps to engage in the policy development process were observed. Four (23%) of the Key Actions received a score five indicating a reference to Key Action in the core documents in the policy development process. Conclusions: The development of disability policies and associated implementation strategies requires equitable and inclusive processes that consider input from all stakeholders especially those whose wellbeing depend on such policies. It is pivotal for government and organisations in the process of policy or strategy development and implementation, to involve stakeholders in a virtuous process of co-production – co-implementation – co-evaluation, which may strengthen both the sense of inclusion and the effectiveness of the policy life-cycle.

Despite an elaborated framework on reasonable accommodations in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), persons with mental disabilities continue to face significant limitations to employment in East Africa. The aim of our study is to explore legal provisions related to reasonable accommodations in the employment-related laws regarding persons with mental disabilities in East Africa, and to suggest ways to bridge the gap between principles of international law and provisions of domestic laws. The disability, labour and human rights laws of 18 East African countries were accessed from the database of WHO MiNDbank and the International Labour Organisation. These laws were reviewed in the light of the framework of Article 27 of the UN CRPD. We found that 15 (83%) of the countries in East Africa have ratified the UN CRPD, and 12 (67%) have formulated an explicit definition of disability that includes mental illness. Eleven countries (61%) have explicit laws mandating employers to provide reasonable accommodations for persons with a mental disability. Eight countries (44%) have submitted a state report to the CRPD Committee. Lack of clear and specific definition of reasonable accommodations or the existence of vague definitions create challenges. If persons with a mental disability are to exercise their right to inclusive and gainful employment, there is a need for legal reforms that guarantee access to inclusive employment practices.

Despite an elaborated framework on reasonable accommodations in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), persons with mental disabilities continue to face significant limitations to employment in East Africa. The aim of our study is to explore legal provisions related to reasonable accommodations in the employment-related laws regarding persons with mental disabilities in East Africa, and to suggest ways to bridge the gap between principles of international law and provisions of domestic laws. The disability, labour and human rights laws of 18 East African countries were accessed from the database of WHO MiNDbank and the International Labour Organisation. These laws were reviewed in the light of the framework of Article 27 of the UN CRPD. We found that 15 (83%) of the countries in East Africa have ratified the UN CRPD, and 12 (67%) have formulated an explicit definition of disability that includes mental illness. Eleven countries (61%) have explicit laws mandating employers to provide reasonable accommodations for persons with a mental disability. Eight countries (44%) have submitted a state report to the CRPD Committee. Lack of clear and specific definition of reasonable accommodations or the existence of vague definitions create challenges. If persons with a mental disability are to exercise their right to inclusive and gainful employment, there is a need for legal reforms that guarantee access to inclusive employment practices.