Disability organizations as empowering settings: Challenging stigmatization, promoting emancipation

Area of Science:

• Disability Studies
• Sociology
• Community Psychology

Background:

• People with disabilities often face pervasive stigmatization, particularly in rural contexts.
• Local organizations play a crucial role in mitigating these challenges and fostering empowerment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the empowering features of a local disability organization in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia.
• To understand how this organization helps members resist stigmatization and promote emancipatory identities.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research using constructivist grounded theory.
• Data collected through interviews with 18 members of the disability organization.

Main Results:

• The organization functions as a mindset changer, shifting members' perspectives.
• It serves as an alternative resource center, providing essential support.
• It cultivates supportive and courageous allies, strengthening the community.

Conclusions:

• The organization's specific features create an empowering environment for members.
• Empowerment enables members to challenge stigma and develop emancipatory identities.
• Findings have implications for disability interventions in similar socio-cultural contexts.