Abstract
Discourses in the disability movement and disability research are predominantly focussed on adults. This volume, ironically, is further evidence of this bias. In this chapter we set out to illustrate why the lives of disabled children and young people and their families, especially those living in low-income settings globally, warrant more attention. We argue that their perspectives can and should be more actively sought. We draw on theory from childhood studies and disability studies, both of which maintain a bias towards consideration of those in the global North. We also draw on participatory research and project work, first with disabled children themselves in South Asia and Uganda, and second with parents in South Africa, to show that there is much to be learned by listening to both groups, encouraging their direct participation in research as well as in programme planning, implementation and evaluation.
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Notes
- 1.
We recognise that relationships between parents and children are complex, and the roles and experiences of parents of disabled children are particularly so. In addition, there is evidence that much of the very common abuse (of all types) of disabled children takes place within the home. There is little data to suggest that mothers are implicated in this, thus they are usually their children’s key protectors and advocates (African Child Policy Forum 2010; Save the Children and Handicap International 2011).
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Wickenden, M., Elphick, J. (2016). Don’t Forget Us, We Are Here Too! Listening to Disabled Children and Their Families Living in Poverty. In: Grech, S., Soldatic, K. (eds) Disability in the Global South. International Perspectives on Social Policy, Administration, and Practice. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42488-0_11
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