'A Little Inconvenience': Perspectives of Bengali families of children with disabilities on labelling and inclusion

Abstract

Based on the findings of a qualitative study, this article describes how Bengali mothers of children with disabilities in Calcutta, India use the colloquial term 'inconvenience' to talk about their child's disabilities. Data were collected through extensive interviews and participant observations. Findings indicate that the mothers use of the colloquial term 'inconvenience' forms a significant aspect of their efforts to educate their community and create inclusion for their children. Findings of this study have implications for the role of local language in enhancing the inclusion of people with disabilities in developing countries such as India.