Persons' with disabilities perceptions of their inclusion into social environment

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to determine how adults with disabilities perceive their inclusion into a social environment. The research included 30 examinees, 17 with visual impairments (VI), and 13 with cerebral palsy (CP). A semi-structured interview was used in collecting data. The first group of questions included general questions regarding relations of the examinees toward others and relations of people from the environment toward them. The second group of questions assessed perception and attitude of people from the environment toward the examinees. Research results indicate the following barriers in social inclusion: social rejection by the majority of people, discrimination, prejudice, avoiding general population, making friends only with people with same disabilities, negative social support, and difficulties in social performance. Capacities which need to be developed are: proactive behavior, opportunities for joint activities, reciprocity in interpersonal relations, strategies for coping with discriminating actions, positive informal and formal social support.