There are many discussions happening, especially regarding what terminology should be used to refer to the disabled community. Based on my experience, I am providing some insight into attitudinal barriers.

I have been working in the field of disability for the past six years, particularly focusing on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). My work encompasses both the social model and the medical model of disability, primarily in rural and semi-urban communities. For the past few years, I have been working in rural villages in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Everyone is well aware of the rural setting where many intersections persist, and disability adds another complex layer to it. My focus is on intellectual and developmental disabilities, with an emphasis on early identification, early intervention, and caregiver empowerment.

I primarily interact with parents who are experiencing this for the first time and are unaware of what it entails. They live with the societal perceptions that exist around them. During my work, I have observed that attitudinal barriers related to terminology are prevalent in these villages. People often use terms like “mentally retarded” or “handicapped” or associate intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with mental illness. Parents do not want to hear these terms, which prevents them from taking their children to special schools or rehabilitation centers due to the significant stigma attached to these terms.

There are numerous discussions about whether language should be person-centric or person-first. Some prefer terms like “Disabled Person,” while others advocate for “Divyangjan” or “person with a disability.” Whether they are self-advocates, disability advocates, or people living in rural India, the core desire is the same: everyone wants to live with dignity and respect.

What the terminology should be and how to identify someone appropriately remains a significant issue. In rural areas, we already struggle with infrastructure, livelihood, and specialized centers. Attitudinal barriers add more complexity to the process of rehabilitation. Parents in these regions are particularly anxious and fearful about the terminology and the stigma associated with IDD. The stigma around IDD persists.

Key Facts:

• The World Health Organization estimates that about 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability.
• In India, the Census 2011 reports that 2.21% of the population is disabled, with a significant portion living in rural areas.
• Early identification and intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Stigma and negative attitudes are major barriers to accessing education and rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.

As we work towards more inclusive communities, it’s crucial to address these attitudinal barriers. Regardless of their abilities, everyone should be able to live with dignity and respect.