Capacity Building of People with Physical Disabilities (KOKUF): A community Development Perspective in Malaysia

Community development is a process that requires comprehensive action. One of the concepts focused on is community capacity building, which has various dimensions. In Malaysia, the study of community development, especially when linked to the community of disabled people (KOKU), still has a lot of room for exploration. The study specifically aims at the concept of community capacity building, which has not yet been comprehensively studied, especially for the community of people with physical disabilities (KOKUF). For KOKUF who have gained exposure through skills programs, the selection of certain dimensions of community capacity building is the best way to assess the extent of community development that has occurred among these communities. Therefore, appropriate and accurate dimensions are important so that the study of KOKUF achieves its true purpose in evaluating the process and results of community capacity building. Five main dimensions are focused on in the process and results of KOKUF capacity building. The first dimension is learning opportunities and skill development, which includes identifying knowledge gaps and providing opportunities for skill improvement. The second dimension is resource mobilization, referring to KOKUF's ability to identify and access internal and external resources such as community members, external parties, time, funds, and facilities to improve KOKUF's capabilities. The third dimension is partnership, relationship, and network, which emphasizes KOKUF's interaction with fellow community members and external parties based on collaboration, strengthening bonds, and building confidence to improve KOKUF's capabilities. The fourth dimension is the asset-based approach, focusing on the knowledge, skills, and talents possessed by KOKUF, with an assessment of how these assets benefit and improve KOKUF's life. The final dimension is community feeling, which evaluates the positive perceptions among members regarding trust and cooperation, reflecting their willingness to act together for the well-being of the community.