An exploration of alternative developmental programmes for HIV positive disability grant applicants

• Published: 2015
• Subjects: AIDS (Disease) - Economic aspects - South Africa; Disability insurance - South Africa; Social security - Economic aspects - South Africa; People with disabilities - Economic aspects - South Africa; Sociology of disability - South Africa
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14057

M.A. (Social Work) === Assistance with a disability grant has made a number of positive contributions, especially to improving the life of its beneficiaries. In addition to the increasing number of job demands by a multitude of people in the country, there are also thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS who apply, especially those who have no income, for a disability grant to meet their basic needs and promote positive health. Throughout the study, it has been identified that the disability grant not only benefits individual beneficiaries in most instances, but also benefits their families and plays a major role not only in ensuring food security, but is extended in meeting other basic needs of the households. By its nature, the disability grant is not permanent social assistance as beneficiaries only qualify for a period ranging from six to 12 months. The cancellation of the grant also leaves the beneficiaries in a vulnerable condition as on cancellation, some beneficiaries are not in a position to provide for themselves financially. For the purpose of the study, purposive sampling was selected for its convenience in getting information relevant to the study. The study was guided by its goal which was to explore the need for developmental programmes for HIV positive disability grant applicants, with the purpose of improving food security and self-reliance. The objectives of the study included the interrogation of grantees on their desire, or not, to be self-reliant, to solicit their ideas for developmental programmes, to consult with social workers who are experienced in the field of Antiretroviral (ARV) intervention on alternative developmental programmes for disability grant re-applicants, and to make recommendations to social workers regarding appropriate developmental programmes for disability grant re-application. Practically, South Africa has no alternative assistance which will ensure continuous food security once the grant has lapsed. This raises a need for initiatives to address this situation as it was discovered that disability grant beneficiaries feel that they can participate in income-generating activities and thereby take more control of their lives and be economically sufficient. Other factors that were identified included a will to change and self-determination. These factors were therefore identified as better tools to be utilised and invested in to encourage them to do things for themselves, as meeting their basic needs is their individual responsibility, especially in cases where the individual‟s medical condition has improved. These interventions need to consider the socio-economic factors of the grant applicants as services provided to them should not treat other factors in isolation since the focus has been on medical aspects; hence assistance with disability grants is only provided when they cannot provide for themselves due to poor health and poor physical strength.