Abstract
There is a paucity of investigations into the multidimensional quality of life (QoL) of children with disabilities in both developed and developing countries. The reasons for a lack of these investigations include the fact that QoL and disability are both dynamic and contested constructs, which affect how QoL is measured. The prevailing situation inadvertently contributes to the perpetuation of a cycle of exclusion of children with disabilities and compromises public efforts to promote their needs and rights. Not only is it a constitutional and legislative imperative in South Africa to focus on children with disabilities, but it is also in line with global standards to promote children’s rights and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with their focus on leaving no one behind. Despite these commitments, there is no instrument currently available that is suitable for the multidimensional measurement of the QoL of children with disabilities in South Africa. Such an instrument could go a long way in determining how they fare relative to children without disabilities, including the factors that are associated with improving their wellbeing. This study fills this important knowledge gap...
D.Litt. et Phil. (Anthropology and Development Studies)