Attitudinal barriers in education: Experiences of women with disabilities in Odisha

Abstract

Women with disabilities are subjected to double discrimination in Indian society. Despite growing concern for the disabled community in society at large, their education remains only aspirational. The attitudes that women with disabilities encounter in their educational endeavours are explored. A thematic analysis of 27 narratives of women with disabilities from Odisha identifies and distinguishes the familial and communal attitudes they face. Policy must aim at ensuring not just physical integration, but also the social acceptance and inclusion of women with disabilities. © 2020 Economic and Political Weekly.