Abstract :
Background: Rehabilitation of the blind in developing countries is usually focused on education for employment purposes with little attention to social life. Yet it is known that the blind have dreams and aspiration that are dampened by their disability. This study examined how rehabilitated blind adults cope socially with their disability.
Methods: This was a cross sectional observational study amongst registered members of the Nigerian Association of the Blind, Ogun State Chapter. Sixty-six adults were recruited and subjected to a validated interviewer administered questionnaire.
Results: Age range was 17-68 years with mean of 38.51±11.97 years. There were 42 (63.7%) males and 36 (54.5%) were married. Majority of those that were married 29 (80%) had 3 children each and 35(53%) lived in rented/institutional apartments where they either partially or fully paid for rent. 25(37.88%) participants had attained tertiary education. 50% were self-employed and 19(28.8%) were engaged in competitive employment. 44.8% of the self- employed earned less than 19000 naira per month ($52.6) while those in paid employment earned up to 72000 Naira per month ($193.9).
Conclusion: Despite rehabilitation, the earning capacity of the blind adult is low. Blindness has a negative impact on social lives even after rehabilitation.
Keyword :
Blind, Marriage, Social life, Economic Challenges