Optimalisasi Peran Dinas Sosial Dalam Pemberdayaan Penyandang Disabilitas: Studi Kasus Kabupaten Minahasa

Abstract

People with disabilities are an integral part of society that has equal rights to obtain social welfare. However, reality in the field often shows a gap between regulation and implementation of public services. This research aims to analyze the empowerment program for people with disabilities carried out by the Minahasa Regency Social Service. Using descriptive qualitative research methods, data was collected through in-depth interviews with four key informants, including the head of service, secretary, employees, and people with disabilities. The research results show that the role of Social Services varies based on four main indicators: facilitative, educational, representative, and technical. The role of education is considered optimal thanks to the cooperation with third-party organizations such as PPDI. However, the facilitative and representative role is still not optimal due to uneven data collection constraints and lack of funding cooperation with external parties. The technical role has tried to maximize in data collection despite being constrained by population administration.