RESUMO
PURPOSE: Globally, many children with physical disabilities (CwPDs) are excluded from their education and social life, mainly due to stigma and its effects. However, information on disability stigma is scarce in low-and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to explore the lived experience of stigma from the perspective of CwPDs and their caregivers in northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: The study incorporated a constructivist grounded theory approach. Data were gathered through observations, in-depth interviews, and key informant interviews. Inductive and iterative grounded theory techniques were used to code and categorize data through constant comparison. FINDINGS: The study showed that CwPDs are bullied and talked about, subject to pity, socially excluded, and held in contempt at home, in their neighborhood, and at school. They live in fear and uncertainty and struggle with stigma. These factors affect their emotions, social relationships, and educational activities. CONCLUSIONS: This study makes theoretical and practical contributions to understanding and addressing disability stigma and can help to introduce inclusive education policy, school practice, and disability advocacy. The study results highlight the need for disability awareness-raising programs, interventions for empowerment, and informing disability policy and practice.
The study sheds light on stigma experiences encountered by children with physical disabilities (CwPDs) in low income settings and adds new insights from the Ethiopian context to advance the rehabilitation professions.Stigma is dynamic and contextual, and presents the most significant barrier to inclusion and participation in education for CwPDs.Rehabilitation intervention is needed to address stigmatized circumstances and enable better inclusion of CwPDs.The study shows the need for rehabilitation interventions that inform disability awareness and help to shift the focus from charity-based and medical models to approaches-based in the social model.The findings of the study revealed the importance of advocacy to raise disability awareness among all stakeholders using the lived experiences and stories of CwPDs.