Parameters of normality and cultural constructions of ‘mental retardation’: perspectives of Bengali families

Making the familiar strange and making the strange familiar: understanding Korean children’s experiences of living with an autistic sibling

“…Attitudes towards disability are deeply embedded in communities and cultures (Shakespeare 1994;Gilson and Depoy 2000;Ali et al 2001;Rao 2006). Social barriers and prejudicial cultural images of disability cannot easily be removed by simply adopting a disability rights approach as implied by the social model of disability.…”

“…Culturally-embedded stereotypes of disability affect the ways in which disabled people are seen and see themselves, in turn affecting the ways in which family members, friends, and others interact with disabled people (Peters 2000;Rao 2006). In all societies, disability is linked to stereotypes that form the basis of misinformation at individual and community levels.…”

‘Delivering’ education; maintaining inequality. The case of children with disabilities in Afghanistan

“…Negative attitudes and lack of awareness about disability were often raised as major barriers to inclusive education as well as other services (Millward, Ojwang et al, 2005). In Afghanistan, perceptions and social representations of disability, as well as lay beliefs and practices, affect the participation or the rejection of persons with disabilities, particularly children, within the family and the community (Cerveau, 2011;Rao, 2006). These beliefs relate to what children with disabilities are expected to achieve, and what they can hope for.…”

Stress among Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities in Urban India: Role of Gender and Maternal Coping

“…Meanwhile, some other studies highlight the importance of parents' own cognitions for their mental health. The eight mothers in Rao's (2006) study acknowledged their children's disability, but they emphasized their 'normality' as well. In particular, the mothers' narratives constructed children's normality in terms of fulfilling family duties, participating in family rituals and demonstrating socially appropriate conduct.…”