The association of registered person with disabilities (PWDS) and poverty in two selected social welfare association in Kuching, Sarawak

Abstract

The study is related to the association of registered Person with Disabilities (PWDs) and poverty in two selected Social Welfare Association in Kuching, Sarawak. The research problems include the relation between the poverty and disability, the main reason for PWDs to register themselves under the Department of Social Welfare and preference on type of assistance provided. The main purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between poverty and disability among registered PWDs and to find out whether is it true that poverty did intluence the causes of disability in Kuching, Sarawak. The method that has been used in this study was by conducting a questionnaire toward the PWDs. The study showed that most of the PWDs were having physical defects and their family's income and household's consumption fell below a predetermined poverty line. Apart from that, majority of the PWDs decides to register under Social Welfare Department because they were recommended to do so by doctors or their relatives and friends. This study also shows that most of the PWDs prefer social assistance instead of financial assistance to survive. Thus, the researchers conclude that disability and poverty are actually intricately linked as both a cause and consequence of each other