Exploring caregiver experiences of stigma in Ghana:They insult me because of my child

Abstract

Families of children with disabilities experience stigma by association with their child. This article examines social and internalised stigma experienced in the family by caregivers who participated in a caregiver programme in Ghana. Stigma is pervasive, and gendered, with most mothers blamed for bringing disability into the home. Emotional distress, isolation and lack of support are common experiences. We argue that the mothers can experience forms of disablism. Stigma is multi-layered, and a range of factors intersect with disability-related stigma, including poverty. A support group model can have a positive impact on caregiver internalised stigma and begin to address isolation. This should be part of a wider package of support to address wider structural issues. Families can play an important role in mediating change, but first we need to better understand the social disruption caused by disabilityrelated stigma at the familial level.

“The weather is not good”: exploring the menstrual health experiences of menstruators with and without disabilities in Vanuatu

“…'Stigma', which is a 'process of dehumanising, degrading, discrediting and devaluing people in certain population groups' [40,45], drives discrimination and exclusion and this can negatively impact on mental health [46]. Stigma, 'self-stigma' (when a person holds negative attitudes about themselves [40,45]) and discrimination has been documented in relation to disability [46][47][48][49][50] including in Vanuatu [33], and menstruation [17,[51][52][53]; some primary research studies highlight how these overlap in low-income countries [18,26,54]. This research provides further evidence about how disability and menstruation stigma and discrimination intersect to deepen inequalities.…”

“…This may be related to self-stigma, whereby disability and menstrual discrimination is internalised and people with disabilities limit their own participation and therefore self-rated interference. It may also be because people with disabilities are generally less able to participate in social events than those without disabilities [47,49,50]. For the latter, who generally can actively participate in daily life, the "interference" on participation by menstruation will likely be higher.…”

Adapting Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐up for infants and young children with intellectual disabilities and developmental delays in South Africa: Reflections and recommendations from local stakeholders

“…The ABC—albeit indirectly—may have a role to play in counteracting the effects of stigma for parents and caregivers of children with ID/DD. Stigmatizing experiences in relation to their child's disability are commonly reported among caregivers in South Africa (Malatji & Ndebele, 2018 ; Mkabile & Swartz, 2021 ; Mmangaliso & Lupuwana, 2021 ; Modula, 2022 ) and other African contexts (Aldersey et al., 2018 ; Masulani‐Mwale et al., 2016 ; Oti‐Boadi, 2017 ; Tekola et al., 2020 ; Tilahun et al., 2016 ; Zuurmond et al., 2020 ). This may be particularly acute in township and rural communities where a combination of factors such as poor education, poverty, and unemployment may magnify stigmatizing experiences related to having a child with ID/DD (Rohwerder, 2018 ; Zuurmond et al., 2020 ).…”

The Role of Parenting Interventions in Optimizing School Readiness for Children With Disabilities in Low and Middle Income Settings

“…Children with disabilities should be able and have a right, to experience positive wellbeing and full involvement at school rather than merely attending education services. Parents of children with disabilities experience emotional distress, isolation and lack of support, particularly in cultures where unfavorable superstitious beliefs about disability prevail ( 45 ), which may trigger profound disappointment, prolonged grief and a sense of hopelessness for a seemingly uncertain future for their children ( 46 ). Parenting interventions, for school readiness designed for parents to be able to better care for a child with a disability at home and prepare them for school, may not only instill hope of a better independent and productive living but are also reassuring to the entire family.…”