Different cultures may see special needs differently because of various reasons like history, how they live together, beliefs about gods or spirits, and ideas about life. Here are some reasons why cultures might think about special needs in their own ways:
History: People used to think about disabilities in different ways in the past. How disabled people have been treated before affects how they think about them now.
Religion and beliefs: What people believe in their religion or what they think about life can change how they see people with special needs. Some might think disabilities are a test of faith, while others might believe they are a kind of punishment or a curse from gods.
Social norms: The way people act and what they think is important can change how they see disabilities. In some places, they might think everyone should be able to do things on their own. In other places, they might think it’s better for everyone to help each other.
Education and Awareness: The level of education and awareness about disabilities within a culture can impact how individuals with special needs are treated. Cultures with greater access to information and education about disabilities may be more inclusive and understanding.
Economy and technology: How rich an area is has and access to new technologies will make a difference to how people with disabilities can be helped.
Family: Cultural norms related to how families work can also influence how people see special needs. In cultures where families are large and many generations lives together or close by, there may be more built-in support systems for individuals with disabilities.
Government Policies and Laws: Government policies and legal frameworks can make a big difference to the rights and treatment of individuals with special needs. However, even if policies and laws exist to encourage protection and inclusion of people with disabilities, those laws and policies are not always followed.
Art and Media: How disability appears in art, on screen and in entertainment can really shape the way people see people with disabilities. For example, people with hooks in place of hands are usually evil. However, when people with disabilities are shown in programs or on social media to be just like other people wanting friends, jobs, learning at school and being part of the community, there is greater acceptance and understanding in the wider society.
Language: Language can change the way disability is discussed. There can be many different terms for the same conditions or even no words at all! In those countries that do not have a word for something, it can make it very difficult to discuss, or even impossible! So it important that everyone is clear on the condition or issue they are talking about.
