The stigmatizing and stereotyping people with blindness. The opposite tendencies

Abstract

Abstract:The aim of the paper is to present aspects of stigmatizing and stereotyping the visually impaired people in the light of social stigma theory of Erving Goffman. Also discussed are the tendencies contrary to the phenomena of social stigma as well as the creation of simplified cognitive schemes related to people with blindness. These tendencies are for example: revision of common speech and cultural discourse to not to consolidate false image of people with blindness. At the end of the paper there are also presented practical tools and materials which can be useful in pedagogical practice.