How do social, cultural and educational attitudes towards disability affect families of children with disabilities and there by affect the opportunities and daily experiences of people with disabilities in Kerala- India?

This study identifies the social, cultural and educational attitudes towards disability in the state of Kerala, India. Twelve individuals, parents of children with disabilities, living in different socioeconomic status and possessing different educational qualifications participated in the study. Qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews and observations were used for the research. In a society where people are classified according to their socioeconomic status, this research has revealed some important factors that need to be considered by professionals, policy makers and the public, while working with families and children with disabilities. Findings reveal that families and children with disabilities belonging to upper, middle and lower class, educated, less educated and uneducated families face common challenges. The participants who took part in the study and their children with disabilities were not only unaware of their rights related to disability or inclusive education but were also unaware about the actual diagnosis of their children and the impact of it on their future. All the participants have the common belief that their children will be dependent upon their parents or siblings for their entire life. Lack of opportunities in the community for people with disabilities is due to the lack of awareness among public about different types of disabilities. Implementing inclusive education is the only way to create awareness, bring in change and thus build an inclusive community