Stigma, disability and development

This briefing from the Bond Disability and Development Group considers how stigma affects people with disabilities and why challenging stigma is a critical issue for development.

Stigma often lies at the root of the discrimination and exclusion experienced by people with disabilities in developing countries. Stigmatising attitudes can be challenged by empowering people with disabilities through, for example, self-help groups and skills training, and building solidarity with other stigmatised groups. Changes in understanding and attitudes can be realised by awareness raising through mass media campaigns, staff training and encouraging community interactions, by for example facilitating people with disabilities working in the community.