Abstract

PurposeIn spite of extensive literature on disability studies, little has been done on disability and development, more so the role of language and learning technologies in all of this. The purpose of this paper therefore is to focus on the crucial role language plays in the inclusion or exclusion of people with disabilities in development and their inaccessibility to learning technologies in northern Ghana.Design/methodology/approachInterviews and life history approach in Dagbanli, the local language were used to find out how the use of language affects the participation of people with disabilities (PWDs) in the development of their communities. The use of the local language was to ensure that expressions used to talk about people with disabilities were captured.FindingsThe main findings of the study include stigmatization of people with disability, more so with females. It was also found that these discriminations were conveyed through daily language use, thus constantly reminding people with disabilities of their “class” thereby excluding them from decisions and activities of the development agenda. Education is key and the way out is e‐learning.Originality/valueThis paper provides insights of how Dagombas use language to exclude PWDs. No such study has been carried out in northern Ghana and more precisely among the Dagombas.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.