Attitudes and perceptions of young people in Malta towards disabled people

Abstract

This research study built on an emancipatory approach engages in a preliminary exploration of how non-disabled youth view disabled people through their perceptual and attitudinal approach. It delves into how disabled people view themselves within society. The literature review examines in detail how perceptions and attitudes are formulated through the influences of psychosocial factors. A historical overview of disability establishes how disabled people along the continuum of disability history are viewed from the 'cripple' to the 'disabled'. This will introduce the concepts that define the theme disability and its related issues, illustrated through the prevailing situation both locally and on a foreign level. This phenomenon was studied through a qualitative approach methodology incorporating interviews, a focus group study and fieldwork observation. Ten in depth interviews were held. Another six participants gave their contribution in the focus group. The age cohort of the research participants, being both disabled and non-disabled, varied between sixteen and twenty-four years. Fieldwork observations were held in both educational and youth centre settings. In essence, the main results corresponded with the theoretical aspects discussed in the Literature Review highlighted factors of stigma, stereotyping, compassion, patronising and social barriers. These salient factors emerged from both non-disabled and disabled youth responses. Non-disabled participants' responses dealt with how they perceived disability and related issues while disabled young people viewed their situation within their immediate circle and society in general. Acknowledging the prevailing circumstances so far, it was necessary to put forward recommendations for further policy development aiming at promoting social action in favour of the empowerment of disabled people. Such recommendations were in line with those suggested by the respondents themselves. These incorporated structured educational programmes in favour of promoting awareness and acceptance of those seen as 'different' within both educational and recreational settings. Suggestions in promoting a non discriminatory and responsible media were made towards portraying an inclusive society. Moreover, implications addressing societal physical and mental barriers that disabled people encounter in their everyday life were dealt with in the light of implementing on-going action plans to keep up with societal ever-changing struggles and challenges.