A Framework for Understanding Disability Support Systems in the Pacific

Project Details

Disability support services assist people with disability to live with independence, dignity and equal opportunity. In the Pacific, families provide most day-to-day support but there is limited understanding of what broader systems of support for people with disability exist or are needed.
This study responds to a call from the Pacific Disability Forum to build a clearer, shared understanding of disability support services for Pacific Island countries. Using Fiji and Tuvalu as examples, the study looked at what support is currently available, how it is provided, and where the gaps are. This was done through a desk review of existing evidence, stakeholder workshops, and interviews people with disability and family members in both Fiji and Tuvalu.
The outcome is a practical framework and a set of illustrative stories for use by organisations of persons with disability (OPDs), governments, development partners, and service providers to guide advocacy, policy and action that strengthens disability support services for people with disability and their families.

Researchers

• Fleur Smith
• Felix Kiefel-Johnson
• Alex Robinson
• Aleisha Carroll, CBM Australia

Collaborators

• Marion Faleasiu, Fusi Alofa Association Tuvalu
• Senimelia Bulouravuya Seru, Fiji Disabled Persons Federation
• Telesia Kobiti, Pacific Disability Forum

Funding

This project was been funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The views expressed are the authors’ alone and are not necessarily the views of the Australian Government.

Research Publications

• Executive summary (Word)
• Executive summary (PDF)
• A framework for understanding disability support systems in the Pacific (Word)
• A framework for understanding disability support systems in the Pacific (PDF)
• Stories of people with disability and support persons (Word)
• Stories of people with disability and support persons (PDF)