Barriers to social inclusion: An exploratory survey of perceptions among people living with physical disabilities in Limpopo Province

Disability and everything it encompass presents significant challenges to individuals, families, and communities worldwide. People with disabilities (PWD) are marginalized and excluded in most societies. Discrimination and prejudice towards PWD are compounded by poverty, lack of essential services and support, and sometimes a hostile and inaccessible environment. The distinctive contribution of this research is its original focus on obstacles to social inclusion in Limpopo Province, South Africa, drawn from the personal experiences of young adults with physical disabilities. The novel contribution of this study lies in its unique illumination of barriers to social inclusion in Limpopo Province, South Africa, through the lived experiences of young adults with physical disabilities. Despite advancements in disability rights legislation, empirical evidence suggests that social exclusion remains pervasive. Key barriers identified include structural, attitudinal, and environmental factors impeding full social participation. The research highlights infrastructural inadequacies, such as limited access to public transportation and poorly designed facilities, which restrict mobility and social engagement. Additionally, prevailing societal attitudes and stigma towards disabilities contribute to the marginalization of affected individuals, exacerbating feelings of isolation and disempowerment. The study adopted a qualitative design. Open-ended online questionnaires have been used as the primary data collection tool and methods to collect data from the 10 participants; this resulted after the findings indicated that the gathered data answered the research questions and achieved the study’s objectives. The selection of participants was secured through purposive sampling; the participants were selected based on the researcher’s judgment and the physical disability experiences. The findings of the research revealed a variety of challenges that people living with disabilities encounter in the Limpopo province. This research not only illuminates the perceived barriers to social but also emphasizes the collective responsibility of stakeholders to facilitate systemic changes toward social inclusion. Key Words:attitudinal factors, disabilities, policy development, social inclusion, stigma, structural factors.