Story Telling and Meaning Making in the Himalaya: Ethnographic Spatial Mapping with Disabled Persons in Bhutan
摘要
In this chapter, we explore the innovative application of ethnographic spatial mapping to understand the lived experiences of disabled persons in the Himalayan country of Bhutan. By integrating qualitative ethnographic methods with Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies, through this study, we provide a dual focus on individual narratives and collective spatial trends. Through interviews, multimedia data collection, and GIS-enabled mapping, our research captures the socio-spatial dynamics shaping the lives of disabled individuals across Bhutan’s diverse geographic and cultural landscapes. Our findings reveal significant spatial disparities in access to services, employment opportunities, and community resources between urban and rural areas. While urban centers provide greater access to formal disability services, rural areas offer stronger community-based support systems. These insights demonstrate the value of ethnographic spatial mapping as both a methodological tool for research and a practical framework for advocating for inclusive policies and services. By focusing on the intersection of space, lived experiences, and disability inclusion, our research offers a replicable model for addressing similar challenges in other cultural and geographic contexts.