Perceptions and Treatments of Persons with Disabilities Among the Igbo

The concept of disability has been examined from various cultural perspectives across the globe including Nigeria and found to be perceived differently in every culture. In Nigerian society, persons with disabilities have been incorrectly understood, which has led to their negative perception and treatment. Experience has shown that the beliefs a group of individuals hold about the causes of a disability, to a large extent, affect their attitudes toward persons with disability. Similarly, the perception of the cause of disability determines the kind of treatment meted. In Igbo culture, for instance, a disability may be attributed to the wrath of the gods, in which case the person is killed or thrown into an evil forest to be devoured by wild animals. The irony is that this treatment is given despite the level of intelligence the disabled person possesses. This attitude is inhuman and, therefore, sets the Igbo people backward instead of forward. It is towards this end that the author is concerned about what can be done to correct these erroneous beliefs and cause a shift in stand. This will move the society forward and cause the Igbo people to move to higher heights.

Autorentext

Professor Anne Okwudire holds two Master's Degrees in Educational Administration and Planning (1991) and Special Education (2002) both from the University of Jos, Nigeria. In 2007, she earned her Ph.D in Special Education from the same university. She is currently Professor of Special Education at the Alvan Ikoku University, Owerri, Nigeria.