Understanding views of disability in the Cote d’Ivoire

Abstract

While there are several international initiatives advocating for rights of individuals with disabilities in their community, many African countries lag behind in taking any actions. This is an ethnographic study conducted in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa, and examines the current programs and services for children with disabilities, and views of disability among the public. It utilizes individual and group interviews, field observations, surveys and examination of governmental documents. There are tremendous needs and shortcomings regarding disability programs. This might be due not only to a lack of resources but to the views of disabilities held by society.

Keywords:

• Africa
• views of disability
• social model
• culture

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to acknowledge and thank Foundation Dr. Javad Nurbakhsh, Khaniquah Nimatullahi, and the INSP for their support and collaboration with the author to carry out this work. In addition, the author wishes to express her sincere gratitude to Dr Mouhammed Mouminy Radji for his help in facilitating the daily work, making arrangements, and giving his advice; and to Dr Marguerite Te Bonle and Dr Coulibaly for their support and collaboration. Without the commitment and help of these individuals, this work would have not been possible.