Changing the paradigm of disability from stigma to equity in university social work education in Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

Summary The main aim of this paper is to tease out the historical and deeply rooted ethical standards, spirituality, and social values that have long supported the social service system in Kyrgyzstan, which, today, faces pressure to align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The data are based on an intervention conducted as part of the European Union‐Social Protection Systems programme in Kyrgyzstan between 2017 and 2018 where 30 university lecturers were part of. Interviews both to the Kyrgyz trainers with disabilities and to the trainees of the university lecturers as well as follow‐up survey conducted in 2019 form important part of data for this paper. We first investigate the conventional ethical standards, spiritual explanations, and social values related to disabilities within the Kyrgyz social protection system and social services. We elaborate on the Kyrgyz context of the societal ethics, spirituality, and values around disability in the Kyrgyz university education for social workers. Second, we analyse the transformation of the perception of disability among the university lecturers. We conclude this paper with a discussion on the negotiation between a charity‐based approach that reinforces the stigmatization of disability and a human rights‐based approach that promotes paradigm change, to contribute to global discourse of social change towards disability inclusion.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Social Work: Evidence for Impact?

“…While Werner and Holler [41] included recommendations for educators based on their research with students, others have focused on how the CRPD may already be impacting social work education programmes. Katsui et al [42] examine an intervention in a social work training programme in Kyrgyzstan. The authors analyse data on the success of an intervention led by the European Union Social Protection Systems Programme.…”

“…To address this, a training programme was implemented to educate social work lecturers on disability rights and the social model of disability. The results of the research by Katsui et al [42] indicate that perceptions of disability were changed dramatically by the training, leading to more inclusive attitudes and a desire to reform the social service provision within the country.…”

“…While this research established a relationship between an attitude regarding disabilities and a practice approach, Werner and Holler did not offer a method for changing the perception held by students. Here, we can draw from the study provided by Katsui et al [42], who tracked the effectiveness of a training scheme that specifically taught the social model of disability. The results indicated that the training was successful in 'dramatically' changing the lecturers' perceptions towards disability, despite their previous deeply held and culturally endorsed views (p. 183).…”

Public service ethics, values and spirituality in developing and transitional countries: Challenges and opportunities

“…The findings suggest that, to some extent, the perception of disability in Kyrgyzstan had changed especially within the university community where social work is taught. In this curriculum, guest lecturers (mostly people with disability) are invited to teach and they are treated with equity and respect (Katsui, Kazakunova, & Mojtahedi, 2020). Changing the paradigm of disability from stigma to equity in university social work education in Kyrgyzstan is followed by “Combatting corruption in Kazakhstan: a role for ethics commissioners” by Janenova and Knox.…”