SOCIAL WELFARE ADMINISTRATION FOR DISABILITIES IN NONTHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed 1) to analyze the social welfare administration for the disabled in Nonthaburi Province, 2) to assess the problems and obstacles of the social welfare administration for the disabled in Nonthaburi Province, and 3) to propose the suggestions of social welfare administration for the disabled in Nonthaburi Province. The research was qualitative. Key informants included 5 local government executives, 5 local government officials who provided social welfare services, 5 officials responsible for social welfare for the disabled from government agencies, 3 presidents of disabled clubs, and 6 disabled people, totaling 24 people.

The research results found that: 1) the social welfare administration for the disabled in Nonthaburi Province, in terms of policies and laws related to the disabled, there was still uncertainty, especially in terms of budget allocation and project evaluation. In addition, law enforcement in the area was insufficient and lacked strictness. Resources, such as budget and personnel related to the care of the disabled, were not sufficient to meet the actual needs. The provision of services to the disabled still faced problems of delay and complexity in the work process. Incomplete and outdated information on the disabled was still a problem. The participation of the disabled in policy decision-making was still limited. Coordination between relevant agencies was also limited. The physical and social environment had not been adequately improved for the disabled, 2) the problems and obstacles of the social welfare administration for the disabled in Nonthaburi Province. The main problems found the lack of resources, such as budget, personnel, and appropriate facilities, as well as the lack of smooth coordination between relevant agencies. Complex services and inadequate coverage of all disabled groups were important problems that needed to be resolved, 3) the suggestions of social welfare administration for the disabled in Nonthaburi Province should start with surveying and analyzing data on the needs of the disabled in order to plan for effective service development. Resource allocation must be sufficient and appropriate. Monitoring and evaluation of operations should be done regularly to improve the process to be more efficient.