Stigma and the long cane: parental perspectives

Emma Sutherland

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

By identifying the role of the long cane as a “stigma symbol”, this study aimed to investigate parental perspectives of stigma, specifically seeking to understand the complex nature of stigma and the importance “visibility” (i.e., use of the long cane) has on these experiences. Semi-structured interviews with three mothers of children with vision impairment were analysed for experiences relating to the components of stigma as identified by Link and Phelan (2001) and Link et al. (2004). The results indicated the presence of stigma components in both negative and positive parent experiences, with the nature and degree of parental reactions to be associated with resilience, context, knowledge and stress. The study found the long cane played a specific role in increasing public awareness of vision impairment. The results highlighted the need for further investigation as well as provision of support, knowledge and strategies for parents.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)17-36
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of the South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment
Volume13
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Keywords

  • stigma
  • stigmatisation
  • vision impairment

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