Persons with disabilities’ perceptions on self-employment barriers, facilitators and solutions in a rural setting – An exploratory qualitative study

BackgroundSelf-employment is a prevalent employment or job placement option for persons with disabilities in developing countries like those in Africa.ObjectiveThis research explored perceptions of self-employment barriers, facilitators and solutions among persons with disabilities in a rural South African setting.MethodsThis is a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit ten persons with disabilities in microenterprises in a rural setting of KwaZulu Natal. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted using a piloted question guide in their preferred language. Thematic data analysis was done using the hybrid inductive and deductive approaches. Data was managed using the NVIVO software.ResultsOut of ten self-employed participants, nine were male, and one was female. None of the participants had passed grade 12 (a prerequisite for basic jobs and entry into tertiary education), and two had no education. Two themes emerged. Theme one: Participants identified personal, societal and role players related barriers and facilitators in self-employment. Persons with disabilities reported challenges in self-employment. Despite the challenges, they remained resolute in leveraging residual function (functional upper limbs and cognitive abilities) to operate their microenterprise and use their time constructively. Theme two: Persons with disabilities proposed assistance with setting up self-employment in microenterprises as a solution - "<i>What I would need most from a professional…"</i> The proposed solutions involved community-based outreach where key role players engage directly with persons with disabilities in their communities to identify and address their needs.ConclusionsPersons with disabilities in rural KwaZulu Natal seek tailored and transparent services to address barriers to self-employment and ensure the sustainability of their microenterprise.