Implementasi Program Asistensi Rehabilitasi Sosial dalam Upaya Pemberdayaan Penyandang Disabilitas melalui Kegiatan Inisiasi Pengembangan Kewirausahaan oleh Sentra Bahagia di Kabupaten Asahan

Abstract

The implementation of the social rehabilitation assistance program for persons with disabilities aims to enhance the abilities of individuals, families, and communities in meeting basic needs and rights, performing life tasks, fulfilling social roles, and overcoming challenges in their lives. Sentra Bahagia in Medan, a Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) under the Ministry of Social Affairs, has implemented the social rehabilitation assistance program to empower persons with disabilities in Asahan Regency. This is done through an entrepreneurial development initiative, specifically a training session on making dry cakes in April 2023. The program beneficiaries comprised 15 individuals, all of whom serve as the primary informants for this research. This research uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. There are two main objectives of this research: to analyze the effect of program implementation and to examine factors that enable persons with disabilities who are beneficiaries of the program to become empowered through entrepreneurial development initiatives in Asahan Regency. The findings show that the implementation of the social rehabilitation assistance program for empowering persons with disabilities cannot yet be deemed successful. Among the reasons for this are poor intervention planning. While participation in the entrepreneurial development initiative is good, as all beneficiaries attended as planned, the beneficiaries' independence still relies heavily on their pre-existing activities prior to the initiative and receiving social assistance. Additionally, the sustainability of the dry cake-making business supported by the program's social assistance does not yet operate optimally. The research identifies several factors that help persons with disabilities become empowered, including the background of their disabilities, their potential, and product marketing. The research also recommends mapping the results of assessments, ensuring commitment, providing support, and enhancing the capacity of human resources involved in implementing the social rehabilitation assistance program.