Global Stigmas and Attitudes Towards Persons With Disabilities

Inclusion requires changed mindsets and actions towards every member of society, particularly towards the historically marginalized and people with disabilities. Their inclusion has been a major problem due to numerous factors, such as conceptions about disability and what it constitutes, as they often come with stigma and stereotypes. Current sources often present disability conceptions in general terms as if they apply to all categories of disabilities, making it difficult to extract correct information about each disability. Disability is not a homogenous category. Conceptions about each category may differ among cultures and communities. Uncovering conceptions about each category is a crucial step towards creating positive living and safe educational environment for people with disabilities. Global Stigmas and Attitudes Towards Persons With Disabilities discusses conceptions about different disabilities, children or family members with a disability, and organizations for people with disabilities. It demonstrates how negative conceptions influence service provision in various sectors and perpetuates their exclusion in education and society. Covering topics such as stereotypes, support services, and promoting dignity, this book is an excellent resource for sociologists, caregivers, educators, policymakers, advocates, business owners, researchers, academicians, and more.

Author Biography

Prof. Nareadi Phasha obtained her PhD from the University of Cambridge in the UK and her MEd degree in Special Education from Virginia State University in the US. She is a full professor of Inclusive Education and the founder and current lead of the UNISA Centre of Excellence in Disability. Previously, she served as the first Chair of the Department of Inclusive Education at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Prof. Phasha’s work is closely aligned with South Africa’s commitment to education for all. Her research investigates the challenges faced by learners in the current education system and addresses the high incidence of sexual victimization among school-age children and those with disabilities. In recognition of her significant contributions to research on violence against children and women, she was honored as a distinguished researcher by the former Minister of Higher Education, Mr. Derek Hanekom, during the Women in Research Awards in 2013. Prof. Phasha played a pivotal role as co-lead in a national project funded by the European Union, which involved the University of South Africa, the British Council, MiET-Africa, and the Department of Basic Education. This project focused on developing teacher education materials for inclusive teaching, which are now utilized by more than ten universities across South Africa. In January 2024, Prof. Phasha was appointed by the then Minister of Basic Education, Mrs. Angie Motshekga, to serve as a member of the Ministerial Task Team committee to review the South African White Paper 6 on Inclusive Education. Prof. Phasha has an extensive publication record in national and international peer-reviewed journals and has co-edited three books on Inclusive Education. She has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s degree candidates and mentored several post-doctoral fellows.