Needs assessment of a disability rehabilitation centre in a sub-district of Ratchaburi province in Thailand

The paper aims is to carry out the needs assessment, and to come up with a suitable model for the establishment of a rehabilitation centre for the disabled in the community in one sub-district in Thailand. In the first stage survey data was collected from 380 participants, which include 110 families with a disabled person and 270 families without a disabled person using proportional sampling method in the households of the 11 study villages. In addition, qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions from 57 community leaders. Results indicate that when having problems with their disability, most of them consult the district hospital (43.6%), followed by family self-care and other (traditional practitioners). According to the responses from the surveyed community members (both disabled and not disabled) the role of government was found to be critical in establishing a community-based rehabilitation centre (CRC) for people with disabilities. However, the community participation in planning and sustaining of such a CRC was also seen as vital. The CRC was seen to provide a variety of services including home visits and visits by a physical therapist. Most felt that the CRC should be integrated into existing structures such as the district community hall, although some also felt it could be on its own. Based on the survey results of the needs of the community it was suggested to set up a disability rehabilitation centre and the development of specific community-based model for the rehabilitation of disabled persons in one sub-district.