Integration of Developmental Social Work with Community-Based Rehabilitation: Implications for Professional Practice

Abstract

  Whilst practical strategies and conceptual frameworks of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) and community-based inclusive development (CBID) are well-documented by stakeholders globally, the approaches and skills of social workers at the meso- and community-levels have likely been addressed inadequately. This article aims to explore the integration of developmental social work with CBR/CBID. Drawing on the theory and concepts of developmental social work that have an affinity with those of CBR/CBID, this paper argues that the integration is practically useful and feasible for social workers and other professionals in CBR/CBID at the grassroots level. In particular, social investment, a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach, development of local resources, and capacity development are emphasised to realise human rights and to promote the socioeconomic equality of disabled people. Such an integration also suggests the importance of ethnic- and culture-sensitive practice and reflects on power relationships. Based on these practical approaches and perspectives, a case of social workers is analysed using published field practice documents in the national CBR programme in rural Sri Lanka. The findings suggest that developmental social work could address the vicious cycle of inadequate education, poverty, and marginalisation in order to promote inclusive socioeconomic development. Despite some limitations of the arguments, this study suggests that future research could examine the integration of developmental social work with CBR/CBID in other fields.