Perception of Rural People About Persons with Physical Disability: The Case of Yorogo-Yipala Community

Abstract

Disability is often perceived negatively perhaps due to ignorance and some prevailing socio-cultural beliefs as well as economic factors. The challenges facing people with disabilities (PWDs), therefore, are varied and could be in the form of violation of human rights, poverty, stigma, discrimination and exclusion. Disability is closely associated with poverty and is also a barrier to education, employment, access to public services and social protection. In most cases, disability has been addressed through charitable approaches without the recognition of the rights and participation of persons with disabilities, like other citizens. The study used a mixed method where both qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed. Focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews and observation were employed to collect data. The study participants also demonstrated positive perceptions about disability. This is encouraging, even though the positive perceptions appear not to have been translated into attitudinal change. Most participants appear to have positive attitudes toward disability, and this could reduce stigmatization and discrimination against people with physical disabilities (PWPDs). This is also an indication that stigma and discrimination against the disabled were not widespread among the respondents.