Does Community-based rehabilitation programs promote participation and quality of life of persons with disabilities? A case control study from Mandya District in Karnataka

Abstract Purpose In this paper, we measure the effectiveness of Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) program in promoting persons with disabilities’ quality of life and removing the barriers to their participation in family and society at large. Method Propensity Score Matching method is used to evaluate the impact after 4 and 7 years after joining the CBR activities. To evaluate the impact of the CBR program, we use data from a large scale case control study in Mandya and Ramanagaram Districts in Karnataka (India). The theoretical framework for the analysis is based on the CBR guidelines and CBR matrix combined with the ICF, the UN CRPD and Amartya Sen capability approach. Results CBR has a positive impact in the quality of life of persons with disabilities beneficiaries of the program as well as in participation in family and society at large. Conclusions CBR programs have a multidimensional and positive impact on individual and collective capabilities, on agency and individual and social empowerment. It makes a lasting difference in the life of persons with disabilities