The spirit of leaving no one behind through community-based inclusive development is salient in modern societies. Communities produce and sustain their welfare by organizing themselves into networks as a way of also promoting inclusivity. Unfortunately, Communities can also inadvertently be part of the problem of exclusion especially of persons with disability. Myths and misconceptions about disability are prevalent in most societies. Myths and perceptions held by communities often adversely influence conceptualization of disability. Persons with disability often face violence and rejection by the same communities that ought to promote inclusivity. Stereotyping makes persons with disability feel incompetent, devalued and hence demotivated to participate in community-led activities. This chapter offers theoretical conceptions of community and disability and proposes solutions for communities to be sources of inclusion and empowerment. Communities should rejuvenate their ideologies, values, beliefs and customs, and through socialization deconstruct the disability as a problem. As a way of dispelling negative social constructs on disability, communities and government authorities should promote community awareness and education. There is also a need to address poverty in communities and enhance advocacy and networking as a way of curbing prejudice and abuse against persons living with disabilities.

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When Communities Are Part of the Problem in Community-Based Inclusive Development

  • Daniel Muia,
  • Stellah Masese,
  • Boniface Munene Rufo

摘要

The spirit of leaving no one behind through community-based inclusive development is salient in modern societies. Communities produce and sustain their welfare by organizing themselves into networks as a way of also promoting inclusivity. Unfortunately, Communities can also inadvertently be part of the problem of exclusion especially of persons with disability. Myths and misconceptions about disability are prevalent in most societies. Myths and perceptions held by communities often adversely influence conceptualization of disability. Persons with disability often face violence and rejection by the same communities that ought to promote inclusivity. Stereotyping makes persons with disability feel incompetent, devalued and hence demotivated to participate in community-led activities. This chapter offers theoretical conceptions of community and disability and proposes solutions for communities to be sources of inclusion and empowerment. Communities should rejuvenate their ideologies, values, beliefs and customs, and through socialization deconstruct the disability as a problem. As a way of dispelling negative social constructs on disability, communities and government authorities should promote community awareness and education. There is also a need to address poverty in communities and enhance advocacy and networking as a way of curbing prejudice and abuse against persons living with disabilities.