Disability inclusion or exclusion? Insights from rural community-based rehabilitation stakeholders

Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR), despite its intent of disability-inclusive development, paradoxically fosters exclusion in rural practice. This study delves into the underexplored dynamics contributing to this contradiction to narrow the gap between inclusive targets and unforeseen exclusions in rural CBR. Through a case study involving document reviews and interviews with 26 key stakeholders in rural CBR settings, we uncover the mechanisms through which disability exclusions manifest within ostensibly inclusion-focused initiatives. Our findings highlight three themes: CBR as an assignment, CBR as an irrelevance, and CBR as gains, demonstrating a disconnect between inclusive principles and the alienated applications in rural CBR practice. This disjunction is exacerbated by a developmentalism ideology that prioritizes economic objectives over social inclusion, reinforcing ableism, egoism, and stigma. We advocate for critical reflection on rural CBR practice and the influence of developmentalism ideology, urging a recommitment to aligning CBR strategies with the principles of genuine inclusion.