Negative attitudes and perceptions and discrimination [1]

Discrimination is often based on mistaken ideas, prejudices and stereotypes that one group holds about another. For example, in some communities, it is assumed that a person with a mental disability or a neurological condition such as epilepsy is possessed by a demon or is cursed by God.

Negative stereotypes

The purpose of the list of commonly held negative attitudes or prejudices is to help you become aware that negative stereotypes may sometimes become “normalized” and as a result we continue to rely on stereotypes instead of questioning negative attitudes.

Prejudices hold that persons with disabilities...

Are cursed or possessed by a demon
Represent the bad deeds of ancestors
Cannot/should not marry or have a family
Should be hidden away at home
Cannot/should not be educated
Cannot contract HIV infection
Cannot be self-sufficient/are excessively dependent
Are to be pitied
Are asexual
Are helpless
Have lives not worth living
Cannot work

[1] For further information on harmful beliefs about disability, please see the modules titled “Culture, Beliefs, and Disability. Toolkit on Disability for Africa”