Media Coverage of People Living With Disabilities and Hiv/Aids.
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Date
2010
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Institute of Social Communication
Abstract
Information is power. In this age of HIV/AIDS, having correct, adequate and
accessible information about prevention and care is not just a prerequisite but a lifesaving
course for the population. Disabled persons continue to be the "silent majority"
among the vulnerable in the society. This is a situation that calls immediate and
concerted effort for all. Mainstreaming of disability therefore becomes a key issue to be
put on the international HIV/AIDS agenda.
One way of counteracting the consequence of social exclusion and reconceptualizing
disability is through promotion of the social mode. "Rather than people
with disability having to change to fit into the society, society must make room for them
to uphold their rights."83 It is indeed the society to invest in people with disability and
HIV/AIDS by giving them power to act.
There is evidence that people with disabilities are sexually active and this needs to
be taken seriously, there is thereby a need for an inclusive and participatory approach to
disability and HIV/AIDS. Failure to do this means that a significant number of the
population continue to be exposed to the HIV/AIDS virus. Being subjected to
humiliation in trying to access information about HIV/AIDS leads to disappointment.
This is due to the fact that the national statistics are generalized, do not respond to crucial
questions about people with disabilities in education and access to social services.
Description
Keywords
Disability, HIV/AIDS, Media