Exploring caregiver experiences of stigma in Ghana: They insult me because of my child
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Date
2020
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Disability & Society
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 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 disability-related stigma at the familial level.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Disability, caregiver, Ghana