ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how disability is conceptualised in different societies by participants, how they perceive the relevant concepts and how they negotiate their use. Participants were asked about the disability terminologies used in their own cultures and their views on these terms. Findings reveal that local languages seem to be laden with derogatory tones for disabilities. Participants also highlighted the societal assumption of the association between normality and disability. Disability activists like Oliver Mutanga argue for the use of the label ‘disabled’ as opposed to ‘with disabilities’ because people are disabled by their social contexts. Participants suggest that people with disabilities can construct an independent self-identity which is not constituted in one’s disability or impairment, and that one can embrace impairment as a condition without losing a sense of self. The chapter discusses how disability is conceptualised in culture and how the disabled students perceive the concept and negotiate its use.
