Self-Help Organizations of People with Disabilities in Asia

This is a comparative analysis of the micro and macro characteristics of self-help organizations of people with disabilities (SHOPs) in seven selected countries and territories in Asia, namely China Mainland, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Since the 1980s, SHOPs have prospered in this region and were given a major role in the United Nations' forum and the International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981. The analysis shows the differences among the SHOPs in terms of the complexity of their structure, government's affirmative policy, legislation, and leadership qualities. These differences are due to the complex interplay among factors at local, national, and international levels.

SHOPs in this region present a rather homogenous perception in their organization, leadership, social inclusion, and globalization, despite the marked differences in their societies. SHOPs tends to be domocratic and consensual in nature, and led by elected members with assistance from paid professional and clerical support. The self-help organizations are positively regarded in these countries.

JOSEPH K.F. KWOK is Associate Dean and Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Social Studies of the City University of Hong Kong. He is also the co-chief editor of the Asia and Pacific Journal on Disability.

RAYMOND K.H. CHAN is Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong.

W.T. CHAN is honorary research fellow and part-time lecturer in the Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong.