Impact of the Palestinian National Cash Transfer Programme on persons with disabilities' independent living

• Main Author: Abu Alghaib, Ola
• Published: University of East Anglia 2018
• Subjects: 610
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.753891

This thesis aims to contribute to current policy and academic debates on the impact of cash transfers, as an essential pillar of social protection policy, on persons with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries. It is one of the first studies to specifically explore cash transfer schemes' potential contribution to persons with disabilities’ independent living, pursuant to Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. A qualitative country case study approach, with both descriptive and explanatory purposes, was adopted. Multiple lines of evidence were used to examine the Palestinian National Cash Transfer Programme, combining collection and analysis of primary and secondary data through document study, expert interviews, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews. This thesis draws on the transformative social protection framework, emphasising the aim of enhancing the rights and social status of the marginalised, thereby reducing their economic and social vulnerability. It argues that social protection for persons with disabilities should adopt a ‘transformative’ approach to support equity, social justice, and empowerment. The necessary components of an inclusive social protection policy are suggested, transcending the traditional medical or charitable conceptualisations of persons with disabilities. The thesis highlights the complexity of addressing disability through cash transfer programmes, especially when political, structural, and resource factors are also influential. The main argument is that ad hoc responses to persons with disabilities’ needs in cash transfer programmes are insufficient to deliver a sustainable and positive impact on their wellbeing and independent living. The evidence suggests that policy interventions to address persons with disabilities’ independent living rights must focus on institutional, social, and political structures, rather than just income. Cash transfers are one policy solution to partially enhance persons with disabilities’ autonomy and life choices. However, social protection interventions should extend beyond poverty alleviation social transfers, with broader services than cash. Adopting wide-ranging measures should assure persons with disabilities of equal access to support and mainstream social services, promote their independence, and reduce social exclusion.