Consensus on development of a tool to guide implementation of CRPD-aligned standards of universal design and reasonable accommodation for healthcare workers with disabilities

Abstract

Background: Despite the existence of South African frameworks guiding the inclusion and accessibility of persons with disabilities in the workplace, there is no tool available to guide how healthcare facilities meet the inclusion and accessibility standards set out in the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and national frameworks.
Objectives: This study sought to achieve consensus among experts regarding the tool that can be utilised to guide the implementation of the CRPD-aligned standards of universal design and reasonable accommodation in the public healthcare sector.
Method: A panel of experts (27) in the field of disability across South Africa participated in a two-round modified Delphi technique. The 80% agreement threshold was set to determine the level of agreement among experts.
Results: Consensus was reached on all seven domains (with various disability indicators) as outlined by the CRPD to be included in the development of a tool. These domains are, namely, the prohibition of discrimination, protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, labour and trade union participation, access to technical and vocational training, employment opportunities and career advancement, reasonable accommodation and professional and vocational rehabilitation training programmes for persons with disabilities.
Conclusion: The panellists agreed that the developed tool can be utilised to evaluate and guide the implementation of universal design and reasonable accommodation in the public healthcare sector.
Contribution: This study provides a consensus-based, CRPD-aligned assessment tool that enables healthcare facilities to systematically evaluate and improve disability inclusion and accessibility in the workplace.