Attitude to disability

There continues to be marked social marginalisation of people with disability in Indian cultures (including Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and possibly other countries from where Indians migrate), particularly outside the larger cities. Those with disability are usually shunned from society; intellectual and mental disabilities as well as epilepsy are strongly stigmatised. Support for those with disability through education and health has been scarce and rights are generally not recognised. In upper castes, disability has been seen to be a family concern, rather than a state responsibility.

Through increasing levels of literacy and education, media exposure as well as human rights legislation and the Persons with Disabilities Act of 1995, changes are slowly taking place, primarily in the big cities. (Dunnet and Schlossar noted that at the time of their report in 2004, the Act had not been fully implemented). Severe poverty however prohibits many people from accessing support.

In rural communities people still suffer the effects of shame and stigma about disability. Many families conceal the person with impairment or disability at home for a lifetime, for fear of social isolation. Marriage and work prospects are seen to be threatened for other family members if it is known that there is a disability in a family. Boys with disability are generally more accepted than girls as they have more economic potential and extra dowries are expected for girls with disability if they are fortunate enough to find a partner. However, because of the pressure to bear sons, disability of a son can become a major concern for a family if there is lack of potential to become an income provider.

Having said this however, in smaller rural communities because family ties are strong and values differ from those in big cities, more compassion and acceptance can be shown towards those with disability. Access to resources in such communities is usually low, as most facilities (although still scarce) have been developed in the cities.

Superstition about disability is strong and someone born with disability may be blamed for other bad circumstances befalling the family within specific time periods.

Migrants who re-settle in New Zealand acculturate at different paces. Because of the availability of services, supports and resources, and a more accepting attitude to disability in New Zealand, many migrants change the way they respond after or during the course of settling. Interestingly however, some acculturated families continue to conceal the incidence of disability in the family from extended family in their country of origin.

India and Pakistan share many similarities in their cultural heritage, and although Pakistan is predominantly Muslim, many of the cultural mores in India are followed in Pakistan.