Perception of Students without Disability towards Students with Disability (SWD): A Qualitative Exploration

The effects of stigma are manifold in the lives of students with disability (SWD). They are often shunned from social spaces, social opportunities are denied, and self-esteem suffers. However, the present study attempted to explore the perception of students without disability towards students with disability (SWD). A qualitative research design was adopted with a phenomenological approach to explore the aim of the study. A group of 15 male (n=7) and female (n=8) students between the age range of 20 to 25 years were interviewed in this study. The transcribed data was coded and themes and sub-themes were developed by thematic analysis. Four themes and nine sub-themes emerged from the narratives. The participants narrated that disability includes a wide range of experiences and that the society to some extent adds burden on to the experiences of SWD by making public spaces inaccessible. In turn, it interferes with the SWD’s abilities to exercise their basic rights of existence. The participants’ narratives indicate that there is much work to be done in order to enhance the lives of SWD. Thus, it can be concluded that participants’ perceive disability to be a complex and multifaceted phenomenon.