Community care: Exploring Natural and Formal Support for People with Disabilities in the Bastis of Mumbai

Mumbai is home to over 22 million people, of which 41.3% are estimated to live in bastis with limited access to basic facilities and support. The number of people with disabilities living in Mumbai was 0.48 million in 2011, expected to rise to 4 million by 2025. For people with disabilities to live a better quality of life, they require a combination of support from the community for their day-to-day living and formal support for their rehabilitation. This study used a qualitative exploratory approach and explored the benefit of integrated support (natural + formal) for people with disabilities. Fifteen people with diverse disabilities and thirteen support providers were purposely recruited from five bastis, and data was collected through face-to face interviews and through a psycho-social helpline. Three themes, i) understanding formal and natural supports in Bastis, ii) the role of the community, and iii) the Intersection of formal and natural support. Findings indicate that while formal and natural supports have their independent benefits, yet together these supports make life easier and more meaningful for people with disabilities.