SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND SOCIAL PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN WITH DISABILITY

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore structural, functional, and cognitive characteristics of social relationships of women across and within three types of disability, as well as aspects of their social participation in the wider community – barriers and facilitators of their social and physical environment in that respect. The three types of disability explored were: sensory (deafness), physical (inability to move lower limbs), and mental (psychotic disorder). Methods: In the study participated 30 women – 10 per type of disability – aged 22-44, living in the metropolitan area of Milan (Italy), and having at least one role of relative autonomy. Qualitative semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted. All interviews were held in Italian language [or Italian Sign Language (LIS) for six deaf participants], and were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was conducted using the template analysis technique of thematic analysis. Comparisons within and across the three types of disability were performed as well. Main findings: The findings highlighted barriers that women with disability face within their social and physical environment. In specific, it emerged that women with mental disability faced prejudice, discrimination, stigmatisation, and/or lack of empathy towards them from other people of the wider population which hinder their social participation. All women with physical disability faced barriers to social participation related to numerous accessibility hindrances of the physical environment, and most of them had also faced prejudice and mentality barriers towards them from persons of the wider population. Women with sensory disability encountered mostly barriers for social participation related to lack of resources for communication with people of the general population, whether in private or public places, when there is no sign language interpreter or subtitles, while they have also limited opportunities for employment compared to hearing persons. From comparison across types of disability various common patterns emerged. Women with mental disability appeared to have the lowest level of social participation, whereas women with physical disability the highest. Conclusion: It appears compelling to focus on the exploration of aspects of the social relationships and social participation of persons with disability since the barriers they face relevantly are numerous, multi-faceted and related to their personal and social development. The biopsychosocial model of health and disability could be employed towards the goal of full social inclusion.