Pregiudizio e disabilità... Educare lo sguardo

Abstract

The article contains a theoretical and educational study about the origin and meaning of prejudice against people living a disabling condition. The author analyzes the reasons why, in the presence of deficits and/or disabilities, the action of prejudice and stereotypes inhibits the identification of
those potential and human resources that are however present, but when misunderstood (sometimes even by those who are the target of prejudices and stereotypes) are unlikely to come to light. Often the action of prejudice and also the educational act contaminate stereotypes, affecting the mental representations of educators or teachers, with multiple negative effects. The article offers a series of reflections and operation cues that help you to answer the following questions:- How is it possible to re-educate the “look” of whom perceives disability through injury filters and stereotypes? How I can train those who have educational responsibilities to become aware of their own prejudices/stereotypes and to overcome them? What advantages could arise for society from overcoming prejudices towards those who live a disabling condition?